I am writing to protest the nightmarish lives that dogs in China must endure. It has become known that their bleak lives are cut short as they are killed in the most brutal ways imaginable for your lucrative dog meat and fur industries.
Throughout the world humans have been living cooperatively with dogs for thousands of years. Dogs save lives, act as eyes for the blind, ears for the deaf and arms and legs for the handicapped. They live in our families and share in family life. Their intrinsic worth is their good nature, loyalty and willingness to cooperate with humans. We would never think of exploiting them in the name of greed - either as fur trim or as a tonic for the frail.
So how is it that in China you have imported 25,000 St Bernards as breeding stock for dog meat farms. The St Bernard is a dog which is known for it's ability and willingness to save humans injured while mountaineering, demonstrating it's generous and brave nature. We have knowledge of a restaurant in Beijing that serves St Bernard meat at extremely high prices. This would not be tolerated in any western countries or in India.
During the summer of 2006, 50,000 dogs were viciously slaughtered in Yunan province in an incompetent attempt to prevent the spread of rabies. Your Indian neighbors have virtually eliminated rabies in all their major cities, not with cruelty, but with intelligence and compassion. Throughout India there are many wonderful animal advocacy organizations that routinely vaccinate and sterilize stray dogs. Here is a statement taken from one such website:
http://www.wsdindia.org/WSDActivities/rabies.htm
Perhaps you could contact someone from this organization for information on how to appropriately contain rabies.
India was deliberately selected for you consideration as a model because of similarities between the two nations: a large population, poverty for a large percentage of the population and a fast growing economy. The difference is that India has a long tradition of non-violence and respect for the life of all beings.
Recently we learned that fur trim items imported from China into the USA are being mislabeled. That items labeled as 'faux' fur are actually real fur and often even dog fur. This was quite hurtful to Americans, as you lied and tricked those of us who would not wear real fur into wearing the fur of our beloved dog. This behavior was deceitful and mean-spirited. It makes one wonder whether the quality of Chinese goods can be trusted at all.
Millions of us believe that the time honored tradition of boycotting would be an effective means to help you understand how deeply we object to your cruelty to dogs. We have taken a vow to boycott all Chinese goods and the 2008 Olympics as well. This movement has a large international following and the potential to affect you.
Please consider the moral implications of your treatment of dogs and other animals as well. India is respected throughout the world for it's ability to deal with animals compassionately. I am sorry to say that the world has an entirely different perception of China.
The nature of the world is changing and cultures interact and effect each other. China can no longer claim that how it treats it's animals is a matter of it's culture and no one else's business. If you want China to be a member of the global community than you must learn to share the value of humane treatment of 'man's best friend'. If not you risk being alienated and losing business.
The following words were spoken by Mahatma Gandhi, known throughout the world as a man of peace and compassion:
"The greatness of a nation and the progress of it's moral development can be measured by how it treats it's animals"
How do you want China to be recognized by the world - as a cruel bully that tortures dogs for pleasure and profit or a compassionate nation with the potential for true greatness? The answer is in your hands.
Respectfully"
Ruth Eisenbud
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