Are there animal cruelty laws in China?

Answer 1

There is just the wild animal protection laws for some rare wild animals in China nowadays, but no federal animal protection laws for animal cruelty. Some regions, like Hong Kong, have local animal cruelty laws that are fairly strict.

A new proposed bill, drafted in 2009, regards animal cruelty, and would outlaw several cruel practises.

Answer 2

There is no unified law against cruelty to animals as there are in many other countries. However, according to World Animal Protection, some legislation for animal protection does exist, notably in the field of laboratory animals where protection has existed since 1988, as well as zoos.

From the World Animal Protection site:

"Article 9 in the Interim Rules on Administration of Domestication, Breeding and Utilisation Technology of Fur-producing Wild Animals (2005) and Articles 2 to 4 in Suggestions on Further Strengthening the Zoo Management (2010) refer to the humane treatment of animals and to or measures to ensure that the animals in question do not suffer, thus recognising an element of sentience.

In relation to animals in zoos, Articles 2 to 4 in Suggestions on Further Strengthening the Zoo Management state requirements to avoid terrifying or infuriating animals, thus recognising elements of sentience beyond physical suffering.

Article 29 of Regulations for the Administration of Laboratorial Animals (Command No. 2, State Scientific and Technological Commission, 1988) requires that those involved in laboratory animal work must love and protect animals, and shall not disrespect or abuse animals. Explanatory detail on the Regulations is provided by the Guidance on Kind Treatment of Laboratory Animals by Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (No. 398, State Scientific and Technological Commission, 2006). Article 1 notes that the Guidance is composed in compliance with the Regulations, to improve the quality and level of the management of laboratory animals, to maintain animal welfare, promote harmony between humans and nature, and to meet the needs of scientific research, economic development and opening to the outside world. Article 2 provides that kindness to animals, as mentioned in the Guidance, means to take effective measures to avoid unnecessary harm, hunger, discomfort, fear, torture, disease or pain during the process of rearing and using laboratory animals; to allow animals to perform natural behaviours, to enjoy good management and care, to have a clean and comfortable living environment, and to have sufficient and healthy food and water; and to avoid or reduce pain and suffering. This recognition of the need for animals to perform natural behaviours, as well as reference to negative psychological aspects such as fear, shows a recognition of sentience. However this applies only to laboratory animals."

"Management Regulations of Practicing Veterinarians (2008), produced under the Law of the People's Republic of China on Animal Epidemic Prevention (Article 1) provides that practicing veterinarians shall love and protect animals and promote knowledge about animal health and animal welfare (Article 26)."

"In relation to pigs, Articles 8, 11 and 15 of the Regulations on Administration of Hog Slaughter (2008 Revision) refer to slaughter conditions, operation procedures and techniques, and prohibit injecting pigs with water (a practice used to increase weight before slaughter). Article 13 of the Implementation Methods of Pig Slaughtering Management Regulation (2008) states that slaughtering houses are encouraged to conduct humane slaughtering according to relevant national standards. Technique Standards of Pig Slaughtering (GB/T22569-2008) provide detail."

"Article 3 requires that, to ensure the welfare and health of animals, zoos must provide suitable feeds of good quality and quantity, and facilities must be suitable for natural behaviour and hygienic needs, with necessary equipment for cold and hot weather. Zoos are required to take necessary measures for disease prevention and treatment and to provide necessary medical care. Animal performances in zoos are prohibited, and zoos are required to avoid frightening or stimulating animals.

Article 22 of the Law on the Protection of Wildlife prohibits trade or raising and breeding wildlife which has been designated under special state protection, except where necessary for scientific research, domestication and breeding, exhibition or other special purposes, in which case approval must be obtained from the department of wildlife administration under the State Council or by a unit authorized by that same department (or in the case of wildlife designated under second class protection, by the department of wildlife administration under the government of the relevant province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government or by a unit authorized by the same department). Article 2 of that Law defines "raising and breeding" as raising and breeding for purposes such as protection, research, scientific experiments, exhibition or other economic purposes. "

"The use of animals in performances within zoos has been banned under the Suggestions on Further Strengthening the Zoo Management (Article 3). However this does not extend to stand-alone circuses."

"Article 5.5 of the Inspection Regulation of the Place of Origin for Dogs, Cats and Rabbits (2011) requires that carrying vehicles and cages shall take consideration of animal welfare. The regulation is composed in compliance with Animal Inspection Management Regulations, with the effect of making the operation of the dog and cat meat industry more onerous with inspection procedures.

Some branches of local government have made regulations addressing elements of welfare of companion dogs. Dog Management Regulations in Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao and Guangzhou prohibit dog owners abusing or abandoning their dogs. Article 19 of the Dog Management Measures of Yang County (2012) requires that breeders provide necessary food and living conditions for their dogs."

The SAR of Hong Kong has very stringent animal cruelty laws, with animal abusers facing $200,000HKD and up to 3 years in prison.