China Eating Dogs and the Struggle for Change

In China, the consumption of dog meat is a long-standing tradition, with some estimates suggesting it dates back over 2,000 years. In some regions, it's a common practice during the summer months when dog meat is believed to have medicinal properties.

Dog meat is considered a delicacy in China, with some breeds like the Lychee dog being highly prized for its supposed health benefits. The meat is often served in soups or stews, and is believed to have aphrodisiac properties.

Despite its cultural significance, the practice of eating dog meat is not without controversy. Many Chinese people, particularly younger generations, are increasingly turning away from the tradition due to changing values and exposure to Western culture.

In China, dog meat is considered a delicacy in a few areas, such as Hunan and Guizhou, where it's eaten occasionally and in certain seasons.

Dogs are often blanched or soaked before cooking to dispel their earthy flavor, and then made into slow-cooked soups and stews seasoned with ginger, spring onion, rice wine, and spices.

The tender meat of puppies is favored over that of older dogs, which is often seen as too tough.

Most dogs eaten in China are stolen, not farmed, according to a four-year inquiry by Animals Asia.

Large-scale breeding facilities for dogs as food do not exist in China, making stealing and snatching from the streets a common practice.

The idea of eating dog is becoming less acceptable in China, with a growing number of people turning against it.

There were far fewer stalls selling dog and cat meat at the Yulin festival this year than in 2014.

The younger generation in China, born in the 1990s, is particularly intolerant of animal cruelty, which is driving a shift in public opinion against dog eating.

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China's stance on dog meat is complex and multifaceted. The country has a long history of consuming dog meat, dating back to the Qin dynasty.

Dog meat is considered a traditional food in some regions, particularly in the north. In fact, a survey found that 60% of dog meat consumers in China believe it is a traditional food that should be preserved.

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However, not everyone in China agrees that dog meat is acceptable. Many people, especially younger generations, are becoming increasingly opposed to the practice. A growing number of cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, have banned the trade and consumption of dog meat.

The Chinese government has taken a nuanced approach to regulating dog meat consumption. While some provinces have laws prohibiting the trade, others allow it. The government has also implemented regulations to improve animal welfare standards in dog meat farms.

It's worth noting that attitudes towards dog meat are shifting in China, with many people now viewing dogs as pets rather than food.

Consider reading: People Eating Dogs

In some parts of the world, certain dog breeds are specifically raised for their meat. The Nureongi in Korea is most often used as a livestock dog, raised for its meat.

The Tosa, or Japanese Fighting Dog, is banned in multiple countries and is also very lean with a little bit of fat, making it perfect for meat production.

Dabengou, or "Big Dumb Dog", is the most used dog in dog meat farms in China. They are mutts produced by breeding St. Bernard dogs from Russia or Kazakhstan with local Chinese dogs.

A single St. Bernard from a premium Chinese breeding farm can range from $3000–4000 due to its high demand for producing larger mutts.

The Chow Chow was also known as "Chinese Edible-Dog" because after the Han dynasty collapsed, they were fattened and bred with Chinese breeds for meat.

The Yulin festival is still going to happen despite growing protests from the Chinese people.

The majority of Chinese people don't eat dog meat and want to see the Yulin festival come to an end.

Some Weibo users have defended the practice, suggesting criticism is part of a conspiracy in the West to blame China for the coronavirus and other global woes.

Last year, around 3,000 dogs were reportedly slaughtered to make stew at the Yulin festival.

Animal rights group Animals Asia estimates that in China alone, 10 million dogs and 4 million cats are slaughtered for meat every year.

Du and her fellow activists spent about $4,200 to buy 30 dogs and save them from slaughter during this year's Yulin fair.

In Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, dog meat consumption has been growing in popularity among Muslims and other ethnic groups due to its cheap price and purported health or medicinal benefits.

At least 1 million dogs are killed every year to be eaten, with Bali alone accounting for between 60,000 and 70,000 dogs slaughtered and eaten annually.

The treatment of dogs in Indonesia is considered particularly harsh, with some being blowtorched alive during the slaughter process.

The consumption of dog meat is often associated with specific cultures, including the Minahasa culture of North Sulawesi, the Maluku culture, the Toraja culture, and the Bataks of northern Sumatra.

Dog meat dishes in Indonesia are often coded with specific abbreviations, such as "RW" for rintek wuuk (Minahasan for "fine hair") or "B1" for biang (Batak for "female dog" or "bitch").

One popular dog meat dish is rica-rica, specifically called rica-rica "RW", which is a Minahasan spicy meat dish.

Tourists in Bali have unknowingly eaten dog meat sold by street vendors, highlighting the need for greater awareness and regulation in the industry.

On the mainland, dog meat is a common ingredient in some traditional dishes.

In some regions, it's considered a delicacy and is often served at special occasions.

Dog meat is believed to have medicinal properties, such as improving circulation and reducing fever.

It's estimated that over 10 million dogs are consumed annually in the mainland.