FWD: (CN) Beijing suspends draft animal welfare rule

[Guest guest]

Beijing authorities' decision to suspend local regulations on animal

welfare has aroused public debate from home and abroad.

 

According to a draft released by the Beijing municipal government on its

web site earlier this month, rules for the treatment and welfare for

animals being transported and facing slaughter were to be prescribed for

the first time in the country's history.

 

But the law was withdrawn on Wednesday, just four days later, without any

explanation. Sources within the city's Legal Affairs Office said the draft

had already been debunked as impractical by experts, and there are no

other plans for animal welfare legislation within the next five years.

 

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), a non-governmental

organization, said it was sorry to hear about the decision.

 

" More than 100 countries including some developing countries in Africa

have adopted laws against abusing animals, but China has not, " an IFAW

statement said.

 

full story:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-05/17/content_331357.htm