Dog Meat Banned from Beijing Menus during Olympics

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| Print | By | August 4, 2008 3:51 PM

According to Reuters, in order to avoid offending foreign visitors to the 2008 Olympic Games, the Beijing Food Safety Office has issued a directive to Olympic contractor hotels and restaurants asking that no dishes made with dog meat be served during the upcoming summer games. Medicated diets prepared with canine material must be clearly labeled, as well. While these directives are aimed at restaurants that serve dog meat, no mention was made of the establishments that serve donkey meat.

It is understood that the customs of all the different countries visiting the event must be respected. However, in some countries, apart from being kept as pets, certain breeds of dogs are raised on farms and slaughtered for their meat. Dog is a popular food item in Yunnan and Ghizhou's restaurants, and with the large Korean community in China's capital.

Even so, since Beijing expects restaurants will be crowded with foreign consumers, there is concern that visitors, animals lovers, and animal rights groups from around the world will be offended with dog meat featured on their menus. Western criticism caused a ban of canine dishes during the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

While it is not my intention to seem disrespectful of cultural norms that are different from mine, at the same time the thought of eating dog meat is odious to me. Dogs have been man's "best friend” almost since the dawn of history. These highly cherished, intelligent, faithful companion pets contribute enormously to our daily lives. I cannot understand the rationale for the use of canines as a food item.

At the same time, I am concerned about the effects that Beijing's smog and pollution-filled air may have upon the talented athletes competing in the summer Games. Therefore, I find two dark clouds hanging over the 2008 Olympics, to which I have been looking forward for the past 4 years.

One of the segments that I most enjoy is the Equestrian events. The 2008 Equestrian Games will be held in Hong Kong. I am also a strong advocate for the abolishment of horse slaughter for meat sold for human consumption.

As I watch TV coverage and read the widely circulating articles about the temporary ban on serving dog meat during the Games, I fervently wish that that countries serving dog meat would ultimately issue a permanent ban on the practice. The temporary hiatus, now in effect, will be lifted shortly after the Olympic torch is extinguished, and leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Have you been affected by the widely publicized news concerning the ban on dog meat during the Games? Leave a comment and tell us how.

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Carolyn August 4, 2008 5:14 PM

I am highly offended by any culture that can slaughter animals that I consider to be my kids. That is too disgusting for words!!!!

Vicki August 4, 2008 6:02 PM

Holy Cow!!!!!! I had no idea that the Chinese eat Dog meat. My hubby loves Chinese restaurants, and I have seen chicken, pork, beef, and some seafood. But I have never seen dog meat either on the buffet or the menu. I am obviously shocked over this.

Joanne August 4, 2008 9:02 PM

For the life of me I cannot figure out why the USA hasn't boycotted these Olympics. From the human rights violations to the lack of animal rights of any kind I have no idea why we are supporting this country. When there was a rabies outbreak companion animals were dragged from houses and clubbed to death. Didn't they ever hear of vaccines? Too much trouble I guess. It's totally disgusting IMHO

annie August 4, 2008 10:42 PM

thank you jo, yet again, for another interesting article. i don't eat red meat, so for me what the chinese government is doing gets lots of applause. i wish a ban on dog meat could be issued -- permanently.

Jeff August 5, 2008 9:28 AM

A different angle on this who dog-eating business:

http://void-deck.blogspot.com/2008/08/poor-dogs.html

Renegade Cowgirl August 7, 2008 3:56 PM

Would you know dog meat iif it were cooked? I wouldn't! Scary thoughts, eh!

Jane August 8, 2008 5:20 AM

I think the chinese are barbaric ---they with eat anything and everything. Look at what they do to those poor bears -- torture them simply for their bile? And other creatures are being exterminated just their body parts are needed for chinese 'medicine'? We should have boycotted the Olympics. Perhaps that would have made them think a bit.

lOVER OF DOGS August 8, 2008 12:24 PM

I received an email from PETA yesterday about the cruelty in China to animals. I don't belong to the PETA organiztion but I get their e-mails. Go the the site you will not want to support the Olympics in China after seeing the video, it's horrific!!!!!

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