The Chinese government is allowing some growth, of late, in the pet industry. But officially, the Communist Party and the central government tries to discourage pet ownership. The official position is still that pets like dogs and cats are a big waste and a drain on the economy and the incomes of individuals.
Veterinarians are trained here, of course. One of our best friends since 1993 is a vet. doctor, trained at the Northeast Agricultural University in Harbin. The training includes caring for farm animals and research animals, as well as training in food purity inspection and food industry sanitation (because of the animal meats, as anyone knows). PET CARE IS DISCOURAGED BIG TIME!!
Nevertheless, the pet food industry is booming here primarily because of the export market, and this also means a lot of jobs, including jobs for veterinarians, who are employed as inspectors in the production plants, and as advisers in the pet nutrition field.
But local governments recommend and practice the laying of POISONS to get rid of stray pets. They also send teams of men to club packs of dogs and cats to death. No animal rights people here!
Now, nobody will say directly to us, but WHAT IF(!) there is Chinese government collusion in this poison-tainted gluten industry, because of the official position of the central government and the Party?? WHAT IF much of this tainted stuff has gotten mixed up in the stuff going out for export?
What if, indeed, John Leland.
Thanks for the first hand account! I’ve wondered about China and their disdain for dogs.
Reminds me of some years ago when I was in Tahiti, taking a tour. I remarked why there were no dogs anywhere. Everyone just snickered. Yes, they are considered a ‘delicacy’.