Kelly Dent, Global Director of External Engagement for World Animal Protection said:
“We welcome the decision by The People’s Congress of Shenzhen, China to permanently ban the farming and trade of wild animals and dogs and cats for consumption.
“This permanent ban will help to keep people safe and protect animals from unnecessary suffering. However, if deadly outbreaks are to be prevented in future, we need to see this ban extended to include the use of wild animals for entertainment, for traditional medicine and as exotic pets.
“The coronavirus pandemic is the latest wake-up call that we must end the cruel exploitation of animals.
“We cannot ignore the dangers of eating wild animals, using them as medicine, exploiting them in the name of entertainment or keeping them as pets.”
Wild animals belong in the wild. It’s now more critical than ever to call for an end to the exploitation of wild animals and stop the global wildlife trade.
There is no better time for governments, corporates and people to unite to curb the use of wild animals for medicine, entertainment, food or to be kept as exotic pets.
