China Makes Consumption Of Wild And Domesticated Animals Illegal

A strict ban on the consumption and farming of wild animals has been implemented across China within the last few weeks of the deadly coronavirus epidemic, which is believed to have started at a wildlife market in Wuhan.

It’s still unknown which animal transferred the virus to humans, but the country has acknowledged that their lucrative wildlife industry has gone out of control and they must take immediate action to avoid another outbreak.

Shenzhen, in southeastern China, has become the first city in the country to ban the consumption of cats and dogs, according to CNN. Under new rules which come into effect May 1, the government has made it illegal to eat animals raised as pets.

In late February, China placed a temporary ban on all farming and consumption of “terrestrial wildlife of important ecological, scientific and social value”. The ban is expected to be signed into law later this year.