(CN) Wildlife Markets

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PRESS RELEASE (for immediate release) 5 September 2003

SARS CONCERN: WILD CAUGHT MASKED PALM CIVET FOR SALE IN CHINESE MARKETS

 

Despite the concerns of the World Health Organisation who say that lifting

the ban on the consumption of 54 wild species in China is " premature " and

despite the Central Government banning the capture, sale and consumption of

wild caught animals countrywide, the Animals Asia Foundation has found

evidence of wild caught masked palm civets - the species at the centre of

SARS - openly for sale in a market in South China.

 

Animals Asia investigators visiting the Xin Yuan Market in Guang Zhou at the

end of August found caged masked palm civets with severely wounded and

broken legs, indicating wild capture in a leg hold trap.

Personal conversations with the traders themselves, confirmed that these

animals were, indeed, wild caught.

 

Previously, experts in China and worldwide rallied in support of the Chinese

Government's initial action to contain SARS by issuing a countrywide ban on

the trade, transport, sale and consumption of all wild species. In support

of this action a Resolution was tabled by 7 groups in Hong Kong led by Hong

Kong Legislator and Beijing's National People's Congress Member Dr. David

Chu Yu-Lin and Animals Asia calling for an end in the trade and consumption

of wild animals - and dogs and cats.

 

Jill Robinson MBE, Founder of Animals Asia, repeated the foundation's

previous appeals to the Central Government to close wild animal markets and

ban the trade and consumption of all wild species once and for all.

 

" The Chinese Government's initial action in banning all trade and

consumption in wild animals was the only responsible one to make. Our

investigation today has found that the traders are utterly ignoring the

Government's subsequent regulations and placing the country at risk. At a

time when experts are warning that the SARS virus could be widespread in

wildlife and

may re-emerge this coming winter, we urge the Central Government to listen

to the experts and take action which will benefit both people and animals

alike. "

 

Chen Run Shen, Secretary General of the Government's China Wildlife

Conservation Association in Beijing, was one of the

first officials in Beijing to call for the end of the trade: " Whilst reform

is the first step, in principle I believe that all wild animal markets

should be closed in China. The wild animal trade has direct conflict with

the progression of a civilized society. It also brings direct harm and

damage to the animals themselves "

 

Ends.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Jill Robinson MBE - Founder & CEO, Animals Asia Foundation, Hong Kong

Mobile: (852) 9095 8405 or Tel: (852) 2719 3340 or Tel:

(852) 2791 2225 or

jrobinson

 

For stills please contact Annie Mather - Media Director, Animals Asia

Foundation, Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2521 0982 or Mobile: (852) 9425 7429 or

amather