Animals
National Animal
The giant panda“The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated”.
Mahatma Gandhi
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, sea turtles.
Birds:
Cranes, spoonbills, pheasants, partridges, woodpeckers, warblers.
Land mammals:
Gibbons, macaques, langurs, leopards, lynxes, foxes, raccoon dogs, bats, bears.
Snakes and insects:
Chinese alligators, crocodile lizards, tortoises, grass snakes, pit vipers, butterflies.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Stray animals such as cats and dogs can be seen in many parts of China. Birds, chickens, dogs and kittens are often sold on the sides of the street while locked in cages. Dogs and cats are sold for food consumption in special sections of markets. Fish and seafood are commonly kept alive in water until consumers request to have them killed on the spot.
In theCountryside
Water buffaloes are used for agricultural purposes. Horses are still used to carry heavy loads and transport.
General animal welfare issues
Dog and cat consumption is common and legal in China.
The Yulin Dog Festival occurs in Southern China, wherein there are stalls selling dog meat products, and the dogs are tortured, skinned and cooked alive to make meat more tender.
In November 2018, it has been reported that the ban on trade of tiger bones and rhino horns has been lifted. The said products are to be used for medicinal purposes. Pangolin scales are also used for traditional medicine.
Although many Chinese citizens and activists are continuously fighting to better the welfare towards the animals of animals and ending cruel practices, the government authorities still have not done much
Hunting or poaching:
Hunting with a gun is illegal in China since individuals are not allowed to own guns, Animals are still hunted with bow and arrow. Common animals hunted are deer, gazelles, ibex, sheep, wild boars and pheasants. China is one of the major markets of the illegal wildlife trade. Animal parts from tigers, rhinos, elephants, pangolins from Africa are illegally trafficked in China. Shark fins and turtles are sourced all over the world as food specialties in China even in countries where it is illegal to kill them.
Animal fights:
Animal fights are common in China and are legal due to no law restricting it. Common animals used for organized fighting are: horses, dogs, sheep, water buffalo and more.
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as it is unfortunately still happens in most countries.
