the fact that they have done this.. shows their awareness that people from other continents/countries ie. elsewhere out of China find the v. notion of eating 'man's best friend' totally repulsive.. rather than it is out of concern some tourist/athelete accidentally or unintentionally ordering 'dog meat stew'.. I just so deeply wish that the people of of that country/province also find eating dog meat totally repulsive.. because it just is..! I jsut can't quite equate a dog with a pig.. people share their lives with dogs which they dont' with other 'farm animals'.. haivng said that I don't agree with poeple eating meat on a daily basis or regularly either .. dogs are also close companions to humans.. that they churned or turned into 'dog stew' or some other 'meal'.. the v. thought is repulsive!

Posted by: gemma | July 11, 2008 04:03 PM

Okay!! All the while the dogs and cats wait out their fate in caves, chained to fences so tightly, in cages where they can't even stand, frick that! No food, no water!! Cause hey they're just animals, right?!! I'm sick and tired of hearing about these fricked up places/people. Down with the heartless souls then there will be peace!! Peace.

Posted by: Carla | July 11, 2008 04:14 PM

WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE OVER THERE!!! THEY NEED TO STOP THIS DOG EATING BULLSHIT & SERVE A VEGGIE BURGER ONCE AND A WHILE! SOMEONE SHOULD COOK THEM! CANT SOMEONE GO THERE AND CHANGE THE LAW THIS IS GETTING TO BE VERY DISTURBING!! I HATE CHINA!

Posted by: Missi | July 11, 2008 04:29 PM

So what do they fkcn want a gold medal....IT STILL AMAZES me how they won the olympics in the first place since a worldwide protest had been going on for years against having it there due to their HORRIFIC ANIMAL TORTURE AND ABUSE.
Shame on the Olympic Committee for even considering them...and PICKING THEM
I for one will not watch it nor salute it... SHAME ON CHINA AND SHAME ON THIS HYPOCRISY

Posted by: r | July 11, 2008 04:41 PM

I wonder where all the thousands of years old chinese culture has gone! how can they be so ruthless and primitive and treat animals in this horrific way! they should ban dog and cat meat not just during the olympics but once and for always! With their criminal treatment of animals - also pigs, horses, bears and many others - and people - they are offending the memories of lao tze, kung fu tze and the buddha! May these great historic personalities enlighten their rotten brains and hearts and bring back some light to China!!!

Posted by: SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION | July 11, 2008 05:03 PM

um, buddha is from india, not china.

Posted by: sarah | July 11, 2008 05:22 PM

It is appalling that the Olympics is being held in a country that is known for animal cruelty. We are supposed to be a nation that tries to protect and care for those who do not have voices that can be deciphered by us. The killing of innocent dogs and cats in Korea, Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines, etc. is not justified; there are no studies that claim that eating dog or cat meat is healthy or "traditional".How can one be so cruel as to watch another living thing in pain. I am just disgusted that the governments have not enforced laws on dog or cat markets and that the US, by being there, is turning their heads to the monstrosities that are occurring there.

Posted by: Michelle Watts | July 11, 2008 05:34 PM

When I heard on the news today that Beijing is banning dog meat during the Olympics I first thought this was a joke, JUST FOR THE OLYMPICS? It should be banned forever. Barbarians they are and always were..... It's about time they started to turn into a civilized country. I will not watch any of those rotten Olympic Games. For me it is still a miracle they chose THEM, a country hitting the headlines nonstop, a country trying to hide what is going on there.

Posted by: Ines | July 11, 2008 05:45 PM

Gemma,

Just because most people don't decide to have pigs or cows or other food animals as pets doesn't mean they are less worthy to live and not be butchered and eaten.
Every animal feels pain, experiences fear, joy, sadness.

We have just held on to this nonsensical way of treating other living beings for too many centuries.

Go vegan--for your life, for the animals lives, and for the future and health of our planet!

Posted by: Susan T | July 11, 2008 05:47 PM

Not everyone in China is a horrific, primitive animal abuser. Racists. And what if a city in the US was chosen? What...the US and it's circuses, zoos, animal testing, pet abuse by owners, and proud meat eaters? Hmm, even better. There are some great animal lovers in China. When you stick blame on an entire country...well...go back to grade 2 and learn some manners. Get a brain while your at it, too. ALL CAPITALS DOES NOT MAKE YOU SEEM SMART.

Posted by: S.Q. | July 11, 2008 06:09 PM

THE ONLY DOGS THAT SHOULD EVER BE EATEN ARE "VEGGIE DOGS"....CHINA NEEDS TO GET A CLUE!

VIVA VEGETARIANISM!

Posted by: Shauna Saling | July 11, 2008 06:43 PM

Just awful. I have so much to say about this but I just can't quite express the hatred I have for what they do to the animals.
When will this horrific practice stop? I do not believe any animal is safe in China. But then you read about Fan and Strong pig and think Oh God, maybe there is hope! Poor animals. Awful just awful.
Peace for all animals!

Posted by: Judith | July 11, 2008 07:08 PM

I think that is such a lie becuase I know what chicken taste like.p.s. l.o.l.

Posted by: Regina Watson | July 11, 2008 07:46 PM

Okay...where to begin? I knew that China ate dogs but i didn't think they were cooked up in restaurants and actually served! Good lord! Well, thanks for more awareness PETA!

Posted by: melissa v | July 11, 2008 08:43 PM

This is misleading; note that Carl Lewis was NEVER a vegetarian when he won medal after medal. He was a vegan. While he did so for health reasons rather than ethics, he nonetheless didn't harm animal in the process--unlike vegetarians, who continue to contribute to horendous cruelty every day through eggs and dairy.

Posted by: Ryan | July 11, 2008 08:47 PM

Rubbish - I am disgusted with China & it spoils their advanced medicine & cleverness of other things. LEAVE THE ANIMALS ALONE HUMAN RACE - WOULD YOULIKE TO BE SKINNED ALIVE?????

Posted by: judy green | July 12, 2008 07:23 AM

I read in a newspaper article today that dog meat is eaten by the large Korean community in China's capital however, this particular cuisine is also eaten in some other provinces.. it really is a horrid unpleasant thought.. I dont' think dogs are suitable for 'farming' or even raised only to kill for it's meat.. (but who's to say the same thing about other animals also raised in their billions and killed only for their meat)? I read that more and more people are owning dogs as pets in Beijing/China and this has to be a good thing.. you really don't konw much about a dog until you have shared your life with one or live with one.. most farmed animals spend their whole entire lives indoors in sheds .. their disposition barely but almost enforceably (as it is) permits this monotonous existence.. the same thing cannot be said about dogs.. they would be frantic with frustration.. nor stuffing them into small cages acceptable either..
certain countries have horrid customs..and they HAVE to change..

Posted by: bet | July 12, 2008 03:22 PM

quote. "i didn't think they were cooked up in restaurants and actually served!"
I'm still trying to figure what out what 'M' meant?.. yes.. they were cooked of course! very much the way you would serve up a lamb stew or beef casserole..
what did she expect?? a slab of raw dog flesh on a platter? ready to serve?
they treat dog meat the way you or rest of hte world treat their meat.. why .. how do you cook yours? Look people.. the less meat you eat the better!! for aLL concerned..

Posted by: yf | July 12, 2008 03:56 PM

i am totally against all meat, but saying "i hate china" would just be going to far. now, what is the difference between eating a dog and a cow? they are both cruel, they are both unmentionable to me, but to people who eat meat and say eating dogs is wrong, they should start realizing that eating meat is wrong anyways. you can't stop hundreds, dare i say, thousands of year of tradition.

my friend told me she was reading an article in which protesters we're protesting against dog meant in china exclaiming how it's totally wrong to eat cute, innocent dogs and then someone from china (i didn't ask who)
said "who could you eat lamb? they are cute and innocent, we would never eat a lamb. so, long story short, meat is wrong in my opinion, but as wrong as it is, you can't stop a countrie culture

Posted by: monkeys | July 12, 2008 05:40 PM

i'll comment again. think about this. just because we don't have cows as pets, doesn't mean they are food. just because we have dogs a pets, doesn't mean they are protected by law from peoples mouths. i've said it once and i'll say it again, you can't stop thousands of years of culture. and also, people who say "i hate china" "china is awful" i'm 100,000,000 percent agreeing with susan t who said what if they chose a place in the united states where they have circuses and awful things like that. so just think about it before commenting.

Posted by: meghan | July 12, 2008 09:23 PM

A friend of mine went into a restaurant in China and he didn't know whether he was in a restaurant or a pet-shop. Cats, dogs, rabbits kept in cages, the patrons choose their victims, they kill them in the back and cook them for you.
The fact that dog meat will not be served during the Olympics will only lengthen the amount of time these poor dogs live in cages or disgusting, filthy places without food, water or shelter before they are finally killed for food.
I wish athletes had a backbone, left the desire for personal glory aside, and boycotted the Olympics with the clear message that, until China takes human rights and animal rights seriously, the world will stay out.

Posted by: NT | July 12, 2008 09:47 PM

SQ - I think you should go back to second grade and learn how to spell the word "you're" because it's not spelled "your". You can't insult others' intelligence and then make a basic mistake like that. Also, it is not racist or immature to say that China is a horrific country when it comes to animal welfare. That it is a fact! No one here is saying that every Chinese person is an animal abuser, but it is an undeniable fact that people in China do eat rats, cats, dogs, and wear their fur. Not everyone, but enough to be disgraceful.

Posted by: Phill | July 13, 2008 12:43 AM

I love meat and if dog meat is good why should people not be able to eat it. basically animals where put on earth for people to eat point-blank

Posted by: Jourdan | July 13, 2008 01:18 AM

Commenting S.Q.:

"Not everyone in China is a horrific, primitive animal abuser. Racists. And what if a city in the US was chosen? What...the US and it's circuses, zoos, animal testing, pet abuse by owners, and proud meat eaters? Hmm, even better. There are some great animal lovers in China. When you stick blame on an entire country...well...go back to grade 2 and learn some manners. Get a brain while your at it, too. ALL CAPITALS DOES NOT MAKE YOU SEEM SMART."

WE KNOW THAT NOT EVERYONE IN CHINA IS AN ANIMAL ABUSER/HATER. THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE AWFULLY FOND OF THEM, IN THIS CASE, DOGS AND WANT TO PROTECT THEM. BUT HOW CAN CHINESE RESTAURANTS POSSIBLY HAVE DOG MEAT ON THE MENU CARD. JESUS, THIS IS THE 21ST CENTURY. OR IS IT BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT IN CHINA EVERYTHING GETS EATEN THAT MOVES AND LOOKS LIKE AN ANIMAL.....?! IF YOU IN CHINA WANT TO REACH THE LEVEL OF A CIVILIZED AND REPUTABLE COUNTRY, FIGHT FOR IT! PROTEST AGAINST THIS DISGUSTING AND DISGRACEFUL TREATING OF ANIMALS/PETS ENDING UP ON A PLATE IN SOME RESTAURANT..... I SAW IT ON GERMAN TELEVISION YEARS AGO, HOW THEY ARE KEPT TILL THEY KILL THEM, PENNED UP IN CAGES, THROWN OFF A TRUCK AND LATER ON KILLED. I WAS SHOCKED AND VERY UPSET AND STILL AM. PICTURES I WILL NEVER EVER BE ABLE TO FORGET OR BANISH.

HOW COME YOU MENTION COUNTRIES LIKE THE US? THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE HERE, THE ISSUE IS THAT CHINA IS BANNING DOG MEAT FROM THE MENU DURING THE OLYMPICS!!!! GET BACK TO THE SUBJECT.

Posted by: Ines | July 13, 2008 04:52 AM

Why do people even eat dogs its like eatting your own baby because when people adopt a dog your taking then in to your family and their a part of your family sooooo why would someone want to eat them?!?!? Tell them "got veggie!" its your part to help the world!

Posted by: Alex | July 13, 2008 12:28 PM

I hope people who torture animals come back as said animals and meet the same fate only worse !!!

Posted by: Ellen | July 13, 2008 01:41 PM

Why did they ever chose this awful place for the Olympics?

Posted by: Roxanne | July 13, 2008 04:45 PM

I am in total agreement with everything except taking a bit of advice from Carl Lewis. Great he was a vegetarian- rather unfortunate that he also used copious amount of steroids! Try and choose a better role model!

Posted by: FED | July 13, 2008 07:58 PM

Jourdan, I think you are just trying to goad people with an inflammatory statement like " I love meat....animals were put on the earth for humans to eat point blank.
The butchering of any animal is wrong in my book. If we were truly carnivorous, we would have large ,sharp canine teeth and claws, and salivate at the sight of road kill. Give that a thought.

Posted by: Coleen Tew | July 14, 2008 12:16 PM

JOURDAN (I am strongly supporting Coleen Tew) YOU MUST BE MENTALLY AWFULLY DISTURBED TO WRITE WHAT YOU DID! PRETTY SICK I WOULD SAY. YOU MUST BE SOME CANNIBAL/ NEANDERTHAL.....

Posted by: Ines | July 14, 2008 02:12 PM

I find it somewhat humorous that people on here just seem to expect the rest of the population to stop eating meat. This will never happen. I stopped eating meat because I don't think animals should have to suffer in order to become our food. My choice had nothing to do with P.E.T.A.'s blog's or website.

BUT, if animals were killed in a humane way, yes, I certainly would continue to eat meat. I still crave it, seeing as how I have only been a vegetarian for a few weeks and ate meat for many many years. soon.

Instead of constantly saying "this would be better", why don't people on here just rejoice in what HAS taken place? Be glad for the good that has come. Count your blessings so to speak.

I'm not pessimistic. I am simply a realist.

Posted by: brandie r. | July 14, 2008 02:24 PM

China is the wrong country to chose for any event. I wish all athletes would boycott the Olympics.

I hope they will get one day what they deserve and have to pay for what they did to their animal kingdom. They are a disgrace to this world. I've seen enough on TV. They don't deserve one single bit of attention. Disrespectful, rude and cruel they are.

Posted by: Ines | July 14, 2008 02:28 PM

How disgusting is it for you people to say you hate China as a whole, which includes its people as well. There are many people here in America that oppose your viewpoints, and many in China that agree with you. China is a beautiful country, and over time, it will continue to modernize no thanks to your senseless criticism.

Posted by: anon | July 14, 2008 02:44 PM

Jourdan, You are most definitely minus a soul. How very sad for you. Jourdan, I would like to introduce you to people of your own kind, I am pleased for you to meet and greet, Cochran/Breen, the Sybil man, SQ, Kurt K, Jay, and many other bully's such as yourself.
May your dead souls rest in Hell! I have a feeling you are
already there!!!!! Love to you all! Love to you all!
And of course, Love and Peace to you all!

Peace for all animals!

Posted by: Judith | July 14, 2008 03:25 PM

quote "I love meat and if dog meat is good why should people not be able to eat it. basically animals where put on earth for people to eat point-blank"...

becaaaause.. it is the WAY these dogs are kept in captivity the way they are crammed and stuffed into cages and sent over long distances (can you imagien being stuffed into a large cardboard box and having to remain in that position for hours and hours if not days?.. ) I dont' think you'd even last half an hour.. it's because they are very cruelly killed ie. torturing a dog increases the adrenelin which they believe 'tenderises' the meat.. it's becaaaauuse such loyal and intelligent animals capable of much loyalty friendship and companionship shoudlnt' be treated as fodder.. I have seen photos of htese animals crammed in cages suffering every second..the dogs have desolate looks in their eyes as if they are already aware of their impending fate.. and it's shocking, distressing and upsetting to see them suffering prolonguedly this way.. THAT's why!! I disagree with the whole notion of being eating dogs or even cats. .because of hte very inhumane way they are housed treated and including the very cruel and barbaric ways they are killed.. and finally dogs in particular just dont' have the temperament to be 'farmed' for their meat.. ie. locking them up in sheds.. for their whole lives.. the sooner this horrid horrid custom or 'cuisine' is stopped or discouraged the better!!

Posted by: bet | July 14, 2008 04:29 PM

Animal abuse in China is rampant, let alone eating almost every type of living species, let's not forget the greed for ivory and wild animal parts. Many will simply not watch the Olympics because of this and many more because of Human rights as well. How dare this country think banning canine meat will fool the world!

Posted by: Maureen | July 14, 2008 06:37 PM

I had dog meat once in my life when I small boy. It was considered a delicacy in China and I remember the first time my dad brought the meat to us at the dinner table. I consumed it without hesitation. I had not been around dogs very much and in my mind, they were no different from other animal that we normally eat (ie pig, chicken, beef).

My attitude towards eating meat (especially dogs) has radically changed since I started living the US over 10 years ago. I quickly came to regard dogs as my friends and developed a compassion for other animals as well - knowing that they experience emotion and pain just as we do.

While I do not support animal cruelty, and believe that we should all be vegans, I feel it is wrong to use our own values to judge other nations and expect them to behave just like us.

The US is one of the wealthiest nations in the world - so it's obviously easy to “see” problems in other parts of the world and say - Hey no that's wrong. Please keep in mind that developing nations such as China do not have unlimited resources at their disposal and must plan carefully to satisfy the basic needs of its citizens.

For a country that can barely feed its people, much less provide everyone with shelter and an education, how can you expect the government to pass humane laws for animals when it might potentially worsen conditions for many citizens who are still living in wretched conditions? We all know that there is no such thing as a free lunch means that everything has a price. The Chinese government probably chose not to adopt these laws because it would take away much needed spending in other areas such as providing aid or medicine to the poor.

Part of the problem is over population. With over 1.2 billion inhabitants, China's already limited resources are stretched to the limit. Since colleges are few in number, competition is incredibly tough and people who flunk have a tough time finding jobs - and they flock the restaurants (as waiters) and to the sweat shops.
Conditions at these locations are dangerous and miserable - but these people don’t have a choice because it's the only way they can feed themselves and their family. Others who are slightly more fortunate make their living butchering animals - not because they take enjoy watching these poor creatures suffer, but because they need to make a living.

Granted, you may say that the prolonged agony of those animals is unnecessary, and you are right. But the individuals afflicting the pain are unlikely to be aware of these atrocities they’re committing because they’ve witnessed too many cruel acts against these creatures as a child and have since grown insensitive to their pain and sufferings.

It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true. Millions of Jews were brutally murdered during the holocaust and seeing all their dead bodies piled up in pictures makes you wonder how human beings could perpetrate such violent acts towards their fellow kind. This just shows that no matter how terrible something is, you eventually get used to it. Unfortunately, many people in the world have been conditioned the same way towards animals – and they never give a second thought to showing kindness or compassion to mother nature’s splendid creations.

We are all frustrated by the horrible treatment of animals across the world, and we can point fingers and pass blame all day without getting anywhere. It wastes energy, and it isn’t productive. Instead we should try to understand the situation and figure out how things got that way. Only then can we develop an effective solution to address the problem. Together, we can make a difference!

Posted by: beetz12 | July 14, 2008 08:11 PM

I hate to tell you people the ones that are sticking up for china These people and the Koreans who also believe not only in no respect at all for animal life but they enjoy touturing them and making them suffer I dont think no other cultures in the world think likdaye T me these people are amoral and we should bycott them olypics and all And If you care about dogs theres a

Posted by: carol | July 14, 2008 10:29 PM

That is sick and I certainly won't go there. Nor would I want to get sick there from all that sewage contaminated water they have there in addition to the horrible stuff they eat. Those poor Olympian athletes - much luck to them. I hope they boil their drinking water and are very careful about what they eat, as there are very nasty diseases one can get from eating things there (Naivity may be bliss, but when one knows better, one is much more careful).

Posted by: Lily | July 14, 2008 10:33 PM

Do not support these where they eat everything at the end the own children and family.
Stupid people and far behind of the reality!

Posted by: X | July 15, 2008 01:20 AM

CHINA - STOP KILLING AND EATING CATS AND DOGS AND WHATEVER! THEN YOU ARE WELCOME, IF NOT, GO TO HELL!

Posted by: Ines | July 15, 2008 01:55 PM

beetz12..
tks for extra background info.. yes.. China does and has a HUGE population to provide jobs for and to feed.. but I dont' swallow your reasons as to why dogs or even cats are acceptable for human consumption.. seeing your argument that millions of people need to be fed.. I feel the eating of dogs is merely and purely a 'culture' food.. and it is eaten simply beucase it has always 'been so'.. or that they have acquired the taste for it.. eg.from childhood..
if you look or compare the average medium sized dog's body and a large cow or heavily built fat pig .. it's pretty obvious the dog's body provides comparably little or far less meat.. compared to other specifically bred farm animals in the meat industry .. so after all your explanations.. regardless .. I still hold that is an illogical excuse or reason you have given.. as well as it being very impractical .. fact is.. eating dogs and cats is a culture habit above all and anything else (and a horrid one too).. I'd rather they farmed more cows and pigs than turned raising and killing dogs or cats for their meat.. and finally.. intensive factory farming is another horror and people shoudl really make an effort eat LESS meat and less often.. (it's no big deal you konw!!) or go veggie .. point made..

Posted by: bet | July 15, 2008 03:50 PM

I have been an animal lover all my life .All animals have a right to live.CHINA IS THE WORST PLACE TO HAVE THE OLYMPICS. They kill dogs , cats to eat and for their fur.plus millions of other animals.I too hope all the participants boycott the olympics.

Posted by: mustang | July 15, 2008 04:13 PM

Love your animal friends don't eat them. I HATE CHINA . They eat millions of animals including our beautiful cats and dogs .they too kill our friends for there fur . I DON'T EAT MEAT .And the thought of eating cats or dogs MAKES ME SICK.

Posted by: Cherry | July 15, 2008 04:35 PM

I have more to say on China I just heard how thiie desmatting sharks with shark fin soup by 90% upsetting the balances of our eecosysems in ocean trastically these people have no respect for anything weather they put our planet at risk Not to mention the nightmares I have now because of watching them torture a poor raccoon dod literally tearing thisn poor creatures body apart while trying to skin him alive and they do it to our beloved dogs cats Besides the horrid conditions they live in I keep praying to god avenge these horid crimes I lost alot of joy in my life because of them I cry all the time for the animals suffering I you care we should all boycott thier Olypics and thier products toLet them know what we think and our heartsd tell us what is right because they dont seem to have one

Posted by: carol Joy | July 15, 2008 05:11 PM

My friend went to China couple years ago, he even saw some restaurants over there they have "MONKEY BRAIN" in a menu. How sick it is?!? and of course.. DOG meat and CAT meat.. even SNAKE! I think most people over there eat anything.. Unbelievable!!!

Posted by: Rachel | July 15, 2008 09:25 PM

Bet, I’m glad for your reply, but I think you missed my point entirely. I never said that eating cats or dogs (or any animal) is acceptable or that such practice should continue because it is culture. I was simply trying to help everyone gain a better understanding of why certain nations treat animals the way they do so we can better help them.
I agree that dogs provide considerably less meat than cattle but you should also be aware that dogs also do not require as much food as cattle.
You stated that you’d rather see China raise more cows and pigs instead of killing dogs for meat. I must ask you then: how is eating cattle and pigs any less forgiving than eating dogs? Just as people have different tastes in music and food, countries can and DO differ in their preferred animals.
As you know, cows are sacred in the Hindu religion, and I’m sure any Hindu would react the same way at people who eat beef in the same way as you would at people that eat dogs. Yes China does treat its dogs and other animals in a horrific manner, but we are nearly as bad in our treatment of cows, chickens, and pigs in our industrial meat farms and factories. Yet many people willingly turn a blind eye to these beautiful animals’ suffering, and are all too eager to blame other nations for their cruelty.
Yes dog eating is wrong, but so is raising and killing other animals for food in ways that cause them excruciating suffering and pain. As a world leader, it is the US’s duty to be a good role model for other nations and lead them to a better future in which people and animals live in harmony without cruelty and abuse.

Posted by: beetz12 | July 15, 2008 11:58 PM

Put yourself in the ATHLETE'S shoes. You've trained a good chunk of your life for this one-in-a-million chance. Once it comes and you're finally going to go to the Olympics, someone wants you not to go because they don't like what the country it's hosted in does. Also, if China (a very poor country) hosts the Olympics, it just might make it better.......

About that whole "athletes don't need all that cholesterol" thing, fish and chicken are very healthy. I just wish animals weren't killed so savagely.

Also, I don't think it's fair at all how you guys are hating China as a whole. And don't tell me that all of you acknowledge that not all Chinese people are evil because I'm still seeing "I hate all of China" on here. That's like people calling Americans "racist pigs" and people calling Europeans "Eurotrash"

Posted by: Zeta | July 16, 2008 04:45 AM

Racist comments have never aided a cause, and this is no exception.
I'm of Chinese heritage, but am lucky, in many ways, to have been brought up in Australia, where we are aware of such things as animal rights, animal cruelty and humane slaughter.
However, not only in China, but many other parts of the world, there are people who aren't exposed to these issues, which we see as common knowledge. You must understand that people are a product of their contexts, and it happens that in China, this concept of dogs and cats being 'pets' and 'friends' to humans is not always present. So to say you 'hate' someone because they are less educated in some areas, by no fault of their own, is utterly ignorant and arrogant.

To carol: It's unacceptable to say that Chinese and Koreans love torturing animals and watching them suffer as that is a gross generalisation. It would be like saying all Americans like torturing animals because beef is eaten in America. I believe I'm not much mistaken if I say it's easy for you to make such a remark because you don't see yourself associated with China in any way. If you believe the Chinese are so evil, you might want to check for 'made in China' tags on all of your belongings.

Posted by: Sarah | July 16, 2008 10:21 AM

sorry.. China is not a 'very poor country'.. are you still living in the dark ages?.. it is now ranked 4th or 5th (I can't remember) of one of the top richest nations in the world.. pls do your research first before you start making inaccurate declarations.. anyway. foot binding was once a gruesome customs and thankfully they stopped that.. now.. if only they can see how gruesome it is eating our most closest friends and companions in the animal kingdom and stopped that as well.. and before everyone gets too hysterical.. pls note.. that not 'all' people in CHina like or approve of eating dog meat. or relish in animal cruelty.. it is a certain number that do so.. including some elderly ones (old habits hard to break) (they have this belief that if you eat dog meat in the winter or cold months it's 'very warming'.. ) and also the Korean community there are big dog eaters.. there are animal rights groups in China and a growing number of pet/dog owners that love and cherish your pets as anyone else would int he west.. the dog eating thing.. I has GOT to stop.. in the west they stun a cow or pig before they are killed.. (or so I believe) no such chance with the dogs.. so the way they are killed is even more so appalling.. the terror they must feel..
I firmly stand by my opinion.. nohting.. nothing will change it..

Posted by: bet | July 16, 2008 02:00 PM

It is a sad thing that we have this still happening in the modern world. Yes we are all known to treat our food animals with creulty. Due to places like You Tube and other sites we are now more educated to this going on. Going blindly through our day we are usually unaware to the plight that animals go through on a daily basis. Almost all of us do eat meat as we are after all still carnivores and I don't see that changing any time soon. We need to eat meat to be healthy.I believe that there needs to a system in place that prevents a certain list of animals becoming part of the food chain. Dogs and cats should be on this list as prohibited for human consumption. There are so many other options. If they have to be eaten by certain cultures that have been doing this for a very long time then this has to now be done humanely. Eventually this will happen but for now we are subject to seeing the worst human behavior and it is all showcased for the world to see. I have seen images that are forever burnt in my mind. Animals that are still alive after being skinned. How do we condone this. Especially an Olympic Commitee that selected this country for the Summer Olympics. How would it be if the civilized world came here for our Winter Olympics knowing that we consume cats and dogs as part of our culture. Animals will continue to be culled for us yet we are trying to improve on the creulty front. Now even more people are helping to ensure that animals don't suffer needlessly. This has to become global. A good way of getting the message across is banning these products from our markets and to make sure that future countries comply with all human and animal rights laws before awarding them any kind of honorable events such as the Olympics. What is anyone doing about the Winter Olympics in Russia. They are known for all of this there as well.

Posted by: andrea smith | July 16, 2008 02:41 PM

You know bet, asking me if I live in the dark ages so sarcastically is not earning you any respect from me. I automatically stopped reading your post after that. I agree with what Sarah said.

Posted by: Zeta | July 16, 2008 07:52 PM

sarah idont believe everyone of asian origin chinese korean are evil i have met some very nice people of asian yes chinese and korean But I cant uderstand whats going in a country in 21 century to allow so much unimaginale crulety to these lowely creatures a country now one of riches in world that cant even promote Any animal protection laws where so much rappant animal abuse is going on I watched them skin alive these animals I could see one dog they showed this poor dog put up his paw to trying stop the touture and touturer just slapped his paw and kept on skinning him you could see this poor dog was suffering excurtiatinly this has just made my blood boil like any normal human being I would think and the chinese goverment knows about this why dont the millions of people thier do something if they cared at all it seems apparent to me they dont thats why I consider them a heartless country and also it is awell known fact that they consider the touture of an animal and its suffering agood thing its been well documented but whereever this horrid evil belief came from Its got to STOP especially in these mordern times people should start to no better there could be no excuses with all information out there

Posted by: carol Joy | July 16, 2008 08:25 PM

having forged ahead in technology, commerce, industry, modernity, wealth.. etc, etc.. it's v. evidently obvious what is still sorely lagging far far behind.. in terms of humane treatment of creatures or animals and not regarding them as merely a kind of living breathing commodity only 'to be used'.. as they wish or please (and abused horrifically) short of saying.. (unbelieveable cruelty) I feel their minds in this respect is still a good many decades if not centuries behind.. what was all the teachings of Confucius and Lao Tze?.. didn't kindness come in somewhere there?.. respect for elders.. I know was one important teaching.. what about respect for ANIMALS?! as the saying of Gandhi goes.. 'you can tell the greatness of a country by the way it's animals are treated'.. I'm not sure if htat is an accurate benchmark rule to ascertain the greatness of a country.. but kindness and compassion to animals all creatures.. and humane treatment of them. surely has to be a good thing.. in anyone's eyes..

Posted by: liz | July 17, 2008 02:55 PM

I agree with Zeta about the athlete's not boycotting........

Maybe it's because I've been watching gymnastics for quite some (in fact that is all I do for the majority of my computer time) and know that they condition and do routines for 6+ hours a day, even if they had a broken wrist or other type of injury... An athlete dedicates a lot of their time for having a chance at making the Olympics and I know that if were Nastia Liukin I would not refuse to go to the Olympics.

Posted by: Karen | July 19, 2008 01:22 AM

Bet, you don’t need to put people down to make a point. It only hurts your credibility.
I can see why you believe China is rich. But the economy alone is not the only indicator of wealth.
China may have the fourth largest economy in the world, but it’s also the world’s most populous nation. We all know that when more people share a pie, each person gets a smaller slice.
If we compare USA and China by per capita income we see a completely different picture. China’s per capita income (the average income per person) in 2007 is $2000, which is significantly less than USA’s $38,611.
Many products we buy are made overseas in sweatshops. I’m sure you are aware of the terrible conditions at these places, and China is famous for them. Do you believe a normal person would WANT to work there, unless he faced extreme financial difficulty?
You mention that in the west cows and pigs are frequently stun before they are killed. It is seems that you are suggesting that the West is never responsible for animal cruelty and mistreatment. In that case what are your thoughts on bull fighting, scalding live chickens, keeping animals confined in small, filthy cages their entire lives, castrating bulls, and other heinous acts?

Posted by: beetz12 | July 19, 2008 09:51 AM

I agree with Zeta about the athletes not boycotting. Maybe it's because I actually see BOTH sides of the issue. I have been watching gymnastics for a while now and know they work 6+ hours a day. They show up to gym everyday (except maybe Sundays) even if they had, say, a broke wrist. I know if I were Nastia Liukin I would not give up a chance to win the Olympics.

Posted by: Karen | July 21, 2008 08:21 AM

To put it simply on the issuse dog eating in china As far as im concerned anyone who wants to eat our best freinds dogs and cats can be no freind of mine would you be freinds with somebody thst wanted to eat members of your family thats how most people see thier pets as members of the family NOt to even mention the increadible caulous cruelty the way animals are abused there To put it mildly I can be no freind to China

Posted by: Carol | July 24, 2008 07:57 PM

All those who are concerned with dog and cat eating unfortunatly south korea is as bad as china Right now there trying to pass laws to make dogs livestock easier to keep them on dinner plate also the treatment of these dogs and cats are as horrific cruelty cats and dogs are subject to being boiled alive made into tonics also besides being slaughered fotmeat Their suppose to be our freinds so we should all call the korean ambassey at 202 939 5600 and voice our oppisition to this law thier trying to pass and peta i wish you would put this on your blog since most of us are all concernede about this dog and cat touture and eating

Posted by: Carol | July 25, 2008 09:41 AM

I am so horrified at the thought of dogs and cats plus other animals skinned alive for their fur and just abused horricaly. that I am going to boycott the olyimpics I will not watch one secend because its in a conuntry known for their lack of respect to animals I hate china!!!!!

Posted by: Dana Clark | August 2, 2008 11:51 PM

China is concerned about the cultural shock value attributed to canine BBQ. Serving dog would result in the Olympics being covered for the menu and not the sport. They're no ones fool.

P.S.- Be more concerned about the plight of children and our fellow humans first over there. The critters will follow in time. Remember: species loyalty ... people first.

Posted by: Rex | August 18, 2008 12:36 PM

This is a great article I read:

"courtesy of hatsumomo on the WWGym board:

For those calling for a boycott of the 2008 olympics:

Shut up.

Just...shut up.

Now, I'm not saying this because I disagree with your sentiments. I do agree. I honestly do think that Tibet is an important issue that needs more media attention. But calling for a boycott isn't the way to do it. Why? Because you're essentially asking the estimated 600-700 athletes that the U.S. believes will be competing to sacrifice their childhood dreams, the years they spent training and sacrificing many aspects of their own lives. Fuck you. Think about the athletes, please. Take gymnastics for example: most of these gymnasts don't have another four years of dieting, strenuous training 25-36 hours a week, intense competition schedules (a few of the U.S. gymnasts just went through a series of Pan-American Games, Nationals, training camp, and World Championships in a span of about six weeks), injuries and recovery, training camps etc., on top of schooling and trying to stay on top while new and younger talent is coming in, in them. And that would be on top of the massive disappointment you hit them with. Talk to the gymnasts who were pumped for the 1980 Games only to find out that the U.S. was boycotting. Many of them have said that there is a hole in them because of a dream unfulfilled.No. If YOU believe in something so much, then YOU sacrifice yourself for them. Don't ask others to do it for you. That's supremely unfair.The Olympics aren't the podium for politics. 1972, 1980, and 1984 taught us those lessons. Any and all politics between the U.S. and China will be symbolically played out in the medal counts. A boycott wouldn't accomplish much anyway because not enough countries would be willing to participate for it to make a big enough dent. Wouldn't the U.S. beating China in medal counts on their home turf pack a more powerful punch than any boycott would? I can guarantee that both countries are working their athletes much harder because both want to top the other. I can also guarantee that there will be athletes who agree with your sentiments, but will not say anything publicly because they know they will face a permanent ban from China, therefore ruining their Olympic dreams. They probably also think that beating China on their turf will show more than a boycott.And please, George Bush will never call for a boycott. And if he does, it won't be because he cares about human rights or Tibet.Not only does one need to learn to pick and choose their battles, they need to learn to pick and choose when they will fight their battles and who is going to do the necessary sacrifices for them."

Posted by: Karen | August 22, 2008 09:34 PM

I can't belive those STUPID china people!!!!!!!! Why are they killing helpless animals just to EAT them!!!!!!!!!!!!! >8( MAKES ME SOOOOOOOO ANGREY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Kaylee | August 31, 2008 11:51 AM