A draft regulation on animal epidemic prevention, published on
the municipal government website on Saturday to solicit public
opinions, contains specific requirements concerning humane
treatment of animals.
"It's a crucial and profound move, since this regulation is the
first in China. I'm glad to see that there are finally laws
governing animal welfare," said Qiang Lei, a Beijing animal rights
activist.
The draft law requires that animals be given adequate space,
food and water, and that they should not but subjected to fear,
pain or injury when they are transported.
Owners should obtain medical treatment for animals that are sick
or injured. Violators may be fined as much as 10,000 yuan
(US$1,200), according to the draft.
If an animal is to be killed for financial gain, it should be
sedated and slaughtered quickly, and it should be isolated to
ensure that other animals cannot see the killing process.
The draft also states that primary and junior middle school
students should not take part in biological experiments that may
lead to an animal's injury or death.
The municipal government will set up special shelters for
homeless animals, according to the draft.
Fines for those who mistreat or abandon animals, fail to kill
them humanely, or infuse water or other liquids into their bodies
range between 2,000 yuan (US$240) and 10,000 yuan (US$1,200).
Anyone who owns animals for commercial purposes and who feeds
them inedible goods will be ordered to suspend business and fined
between 5,000 yuan (US$600) and 30,000 yuan (US$3,600).
According to the Beijing Municipal Legal Affairs Office, the
city's Agricultural Bureau wrote the draft and it will be revised
several times after soliciting public opinions.
The regulation is expected to take effect this year after
consideration by the city's top legislators.
"I am a little surprised to hear that the law was drafted so
quickly," said Qiang, who submitted a proposal for animal welfare
legislation to the municipal government in March.
"Beijing took the lead in the country," said Mang Ping, another
local animal rights activist.
"The clauses of the draft are identical with the spirit of
international rules," she added. "The Chinese used to regard
animals as a form of natural resource, and there were no general
animal protection laws in China."
(China Daily May 10, 2004)