"In ancient times, dog meat was considered a medicinal tonic. Today, it is commonly available throughout the country, but particularly in the north where dog stew is popular for its supposed warming qualities. In recent years, however, such traditions are increasingly criticised by an affluent, pet-loving, urban middle class. Online petitions against dog and cat consumption have attracted tens of thousands of signatures. Videos showing the maltreatment of farmed dogs have spurred protests at markets where the animals are bought and sold. But the drafters of the new proposal want far more drastic measures, which would oblige law enforcement authorities to close down thousands of dog restaurants and butchers which supply the meat. According to the draft, illegal sale or consumption of pets would incur a maximum penalty of 15 days in prison for individuals or a 500,000 yuan fine for businesses." - bob

Next thing you know, they'll be trying to ban eating horses! - Gabe

I wonder why I feel that it's less acceptable for folks to eat cats and dogs, but more acceptable for folks to eat similarly sentient animals such as sheep and pigs. Is it cultural? Perhaps I'm used to seeing dogs kept as companions rather than farm animals. Or is there a more rational reason? - Simon

Simon: I think it's just that people can't understand eating their pets. People who grow up on farms have no problem eating their pets, so I think it's really just urbanites who have this problem. - Gabe

I agree with Gabe on the "eating your pets" angle. Also, I think that in Western culture pigs and sheep have always been raised for food and nothing else. Dogs have been raised as workers or companions, but never as food. Therefore, as a culture, we have major problems reclassifying dogs as "food." I know that I personally could never knowingly eat dog or cat, but I acknowledge that it is entirely because of cultural bias. - Shannon Jiménez

In Hawaii there are still areas that like dark dog meat, if your black lab is missing. mmmm/ - amelia arapoff

I think stealing someones pet to eat it is wrong. Eating dog or cat, that is not a pet. I don't know? - amelia arapoff