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| A friend - not food! |
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Truckload of caged cats |
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Historically the practice of cat eating in China has been largely confined to Guangdong Province where cat meat is part of a famous traditional dish: "Tiger (cat), Phoenix (chicken), Dragon (snake)". Though it is hard to know exact figures, some estimates put the number of cats consumed per year in China at 4 million.
On field trips and investigations into the cat meat trade in Guangdong, our field officers witness literally hundreds of cages filled with sick and dying cats. Lifted by metal tongs around their necks, the cats are wrenched from their overcrowded cages and brutally slaughtered. It is common for restaurants in the province to have cages of live cats at the entrance, waiting to be chosen by the diner.
Whilst we recognise that cats do not fulfill as many varied roles as dogs are able to, they are undoubtedly valuable companion animals bringing much benefit, health and happiness to their owners. Cats, like dogs, cannot be raised and slaughtered humanely and they have earned a place by our sides, and in our laps! |
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| Unloading a cage of live cats |
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