Pangolin - not an easy read

I hope your post isn't deleted Davidhs because all of that has been known about for years. I haven't noticed much of an effort to put pressure on the government of that country to stop the practices. I wonder why! By the way, many of the people in that country aren't very happy with their government either, but there's not much they can do about it.

Article states pangolins sold on ‘black market’ - and sale of meat etc is illegal - why is the ‘wet market’ still open and why was it allowed to break the ‘Chinese’ law?

The Chinese wildlife markets will probably continue despite what their government tell us and even if these were closed the sale of these animals etc will carry on via the black market.
I'm afraid that when you brainwash masses of people and ban the internet then theories that some creatures cure ills will continue.
One of the saddest sites I ever saw was in National Geographic a few years ago and it was seahorses on a stick. I felt sick when I thought of eating such beautiful creatures. My Chinese DIL destroyed a book of mine that she asked to borrow on Mao, telling me it was all lies and fiction. Thank goodness it wasn't from the local library!

Why is it OK for most people (apart from vegetarians/vegans and people from certain religions) to eat dead pigs, sheep, cows, poultry and fish, but not other creatures? I seriously don't get it.

This makes me feel a bit sick too.

How about some tasty bear meat from a New York restaurant?

The bear meat looks quite nice.

Or a nice boiled alive lobster?

Yes it makes me feel sick as well. The issue with cows, sheep,pigs and poultry and fish is that they are bred to be eaten. Dogs and cats Are usually kept as pets and therefore most people like me are shocked and sickened at how they are treated and killed. I abhor animal cruelty on any level and despise any cultural practices where this sort of treatment goes on. There is no justification to skin and cook a dog or cat while it is still alive. Utterly revolting.

I expect the bear was quite fond of it too!

So would it be OK to eat farmed dogs and cats?

An animal is an animal to me.

Even if it's fluffy.

Guinea pigs are farmed to be eaten in Peru. They're the same species as the cuddly little pets many children have.

Best practice Animal Husbandry should be compulsory worldwide, until then I guess these species jumping viruses will continue.

Like many people, my mother ate the family rabbits and hens during WW2.

Animal rights and the safety of eating animals are different issues.

No it wouldn’t. Don’t be ridiculous. They don’t ‘farm’ cats or dogs or do they? Glad you find it funny miss Adventure. What a weird thing to say. The way they treat animals in China is downright disgusting and you can defend them all you like. Completely disgusting.

I don't support in any way the way some Chinese treat animals, but there are 1.5 billion Chinese. The ones in the rural west can't even communicate with those in Beijing and Shanghai. They have very little in common. A quarter of a million Chinese are vegetarian Buddhists. And those running Chinese restaurants and take aways in the UK (many of whom have never even been to China) certainly don't deserve the racist abuse they're getting.

The way European countries and the US treat chickens is pretty disgusting too.

BTW Dogs are farmed for meat in China. Presumably that makes it OK.

There's nothing appealing about the whole welfare issues surrounding animals destined for our plates, really.

Yes and I agree with you certainly on the way the US and European countries farm chickens- totally disgusting. I also agree about the racist abuse. My issue is about the section of the Chinese population that do treat animals in the most appalling way. I’m pretty sure you don’t support the way some Chinese treat animals and I can’t imagine or understand why anyone would.

I abhor any cruelty to animals and, coward that I am, I won't read the article as I know it is upsetting. I can't comprehend how anyone could be cruel to a living, breathing animal. I have signed umpteen petitions regarding animal cruelty, (along side many other causes). Humane Society International UK informed me yesterday that Shenzen, China's 5th largest city has become the first mainland city to ban the consumption of cats, dogs and wildlife. Let's hope other cities follow.

SalsaQueen ....I agree, it won’t be closed down everywhere, and it’s totally disgusting.After this pandemic though, I would imagine China will think twice about continuing with ‘wildlife’ markets.
I read about the skinning of cats whilst they were alive once,
In a travel book, it upset the author mightily.....and me too.

Nobody should verbally abuse Chinese people living here because of what goes on over there of course.
I never buy anything made in China, but that isn’t new for me.
Getting harder of course but still possible to do.