WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States/Humane Society International is calling on the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to address Chinese officials regarding Beijing's new one-dog policy while he is there to discuss trade issues. The request is in response to new rules in China outlawing large dogs within Beijing city limits and the suburbs, as well as a law banning more than one dog per household.
HSUS/HSI, which represents nearly 10 million members and constituents worldwide, has expressed concern about this, especially in light of events in July, when more than 50,000 dogs were slaughtered in a southwestern province in China after reported rabies cases there among residents.
In a letter sent to Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez last night, Andrew Rowan, Ph.D., executive vice president of operations for The HSUS, wrote, "As a guest in China, we feel it is imperative that you address these issues, as you are representing a country that is one of the largest consumers of pet products and goods, much of it manufactured in China. Over the last decade, pet ownership in China has risen exponentially, creating a market that holds the promise of reaching $2 billion dollars in sales."
"In light of the growing pet industry there, the economic benefits of working closely with animal welfare organizations would no doubt be an asset to the United States as well as China," he added.
After rebuking the mass killings of dogs in the Yunnan Province in early August, The HSUS/HSI offered $100,000 to the Chinese government to establish an effective rabies control program in some southern provinces, contingent upon "the full co-operation of the relevant national and local authorities in China and Jining City and an understanding that mass and indiscriminate dog killing programs will be terminated immediately," stated by HSUS president and CEO Wayne Pacelle at the time.
HSI is currently working in India, Nepal and Indonesia to provide guidance in developing humane animal control programs, which include sterilization and effective rabies vaccination.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly 10 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection, and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country.
