China has officially classified dogs as pets and not food - here’s why

China’s government has reclassified dogs as pets, not food, amid fears over animal to human disease transmission, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This potential game changer for animal rights comes after years of passionate campaigning on the issue.

Draft legislation was issued by the Chinese government on Wednesday night (8 Apr) which outlines the animals which are considered fit for consumption.

‘Special companion animal’

The list did not include dogs as an international livestock recognised by the country’s Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, but as ‘special companion animals’.

Addressing the decision on Wednesday, a spokesperson from the Ministry said, “As far as dogs are concerned, along with the progress of human civilisation and the public concern and love for animal protection, dogs have been specialised to become companion animals, and internationally are not considered to be livestock, and they will not be regulated as livestock in China.”

What is the general opinion of dog meat in China?

The animal cruelty organisation, Humane Society International (HSI), has estimated that at least 10 million dogs are killed for meat in China annually, including many pet dogs which are stolen for the meat trade.