Taiwan Diets
Taiwan Bans Dog Meat
January 2, 2001: Taiwan’s parliament has passed a new piece of legislation that bans its’ citizens from eating dog meat. More specifically, the meat and fur of pets such as dogs and cats are banned from being used for economic purposes.
Lawmakers note that during hard times, dog meat was a dependable if desperate source of nutrition, but Taiwan has celebrated great economic development in the past years and can now afford to refrain.
I know stories like this make dog lovers squeamish, but I think its important to be aware of different perspectives,new trends, and issues facing dogs around the globe. The better informed we are, the more we can do about it. The good news is that all around the world, it seems that dogs are beginning to garner more respect. As more countries come closer to economic security, more households can afford pets. More households can appreciate the wonder and devotion of a dog as a friend, rather than a possession or a meal.
With Korea’s latest ban and Dog rights movement, there isn’t a single country in the world who still allows for the legal consumption of dog meat; however, the kill and trade still exists, assisted by corrupt officials and the anonymity the internet offers.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
As dog as food is outlawed I think there will be more respect for the sanctity of the life of the dog worldwide.
July 29th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I thought China still allows and encourages it. In 2005 there were over 500 saint bernard farms owned by the govt.
I am glad to see they have tried to put their best foot forward and banned such an unsettling practice.
July 30th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I thought it was still legal in several countries, so thanks for updating me that it is not. Although it sounds terrible to eat dogs and raise them for food, I don’t see it as much worse than raising cattle or other animals to eat. What’s the difference? Is it because dogs are (possibly) smarter than cows, chickens, etc.? Or just because we love them more?
July 30th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
i think a lot of it is that we love them more. i mean pigs are smarter than dogs and most dog lovers i know love their morning bacon
dogs are also incredibly animated and share certain qualities with us, we’re both incredibly social creatures, but more than anything else,
i think they’ve assumed the role of a family member to the point that eating dog seems to resemble cannibalism