The consumption of dog meat in some areas of China has long aroused contrasting reactions, especially by international public opinion. The truth is that, in the past, the dog was an accessible and functional food source of survival, so much so that some breeds were raised precisely for food consumption, and in some areas these habits have survived until recent times. Today, however, it is a trend in strong decline, both for internal cultural changes and for social and regulatory pressures.
Consumption of dog meat in China: historical origins and cultural context
The tradition of consuming dog meat in China has very ancient roots, dating back to more than two thousand years ago. Historical sources attest to its use already during the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BC), when the dog was considered one of the animals useful for the existence of the peasant family. In an era marked by frequent famines and economic difficulties, it was customary to raise animals according to their food use, rather than emotional. The dog, like other courtyard animals such as pork or poultry, was therefore raised for his meat, in particular in the regions where resources were scarce. In some local cultures, dog meat was considered precious and was served on special occasions or offers in sacrifice during traditional rituals.
In addition, according to traditional Chinese medicine, dog meat has “heating” properties (Yang), and is considered useful during the winter to counter the cold, strengthen the body and stimulate circulation. For this reason his presence was historically more marked in the southern, coldest provinces.
The Yulin Festival and the public reaction to the consumption of dog meat
One of the best known and controversial episodes related to the consumption of dog meat is the Yulin Festival, an event that takes place every year in June in the Guangxi region, during the summer solstice. For the promoters, in a medical-traditional perspective, dog meat should be consumed in this period to “rebalance the energy energy”.
Institute in 2009 by local merchants as a marketing strategy to attract visitors and increase sales, the festival has become the subject of criticism both nationally and internationally. The images of hundreds of dogs locked up in narrow cages, transported in precarious and slaughtered conditions in public have aroused strong protests by the organizations for the protection of animals, but also by numerous Chinese citizens, especially young people, who consider this cruel and obsolete practice.
However, it is important to clarify that the Yulin Festival has no ancient origins, it is not linked to any traditional holiday and does not receive official support from the central government. It is a local initiative, carried out by a limited number of economic actors, which has generated an ethical dispute of global scope: in recent years, in fact, participation in the Festival has significantly decreased thanks to the pressure of public opinion and the campaigns from Chinese and international activists.
A practice in decline
Contrary to the perception widespread in some western contexts, the consumption of dog meat in China is not a generalized practice or shared by the majority of the population. It is a minority habit, especially present in specific South Provinces, such as Guangxi, Guangdong or some rural areas of Manchuria. In large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai or Shenzhen, sensitivity to animals has increased significantly in recent decades. Urbanization, the increase in the standard of living and the spread of globalized lifestyles have contributed to the growth of the number of pets and the spread of an emotional and protective vision towards the dog.
Legislative reforms and signs of change
In recent years, China has adopted a series of regulatory measures that reflect a significant evolution in the conception of the human-animal relationship. In 2020, in response to Covid-19 pandemics and growing requests for animal protection, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs officially removed dogs from the list of breeding animals intended for human consumption, formally recognizing them as pets. This passage, although it does not yet equate to a national ban, represents an important symbolic change in defining the dog status. Some cities have adopted more restrictive measures, expressly prohibiting the sale and consumption of dog and cat meat.
The consumption of dog meat in China represents a traditional practice with deep historical roots, but its diffusion is now strongly reduced and subject to a rapid process of transformation. The evolution of the relationship between Chinese citizens and pets, combined with regulatory and cultural changes, is contributing to a significant change in the country’s food landscape.
