Zhuhai proposes fine hike for those found eating wild animals

Zhuhai has become the latest mainland city to propose heavier fines for the consumption of restricted animals.
According to a protocol publicized by the Zhuhai government, starting from May 2020, consuming banned wild animals will be subject to a maximum fine equivalent to 30 times of the value of the concerned animals.
Mainland China’s wild animal protection law bans the consumption or hunting of endangered wild animals, but not common wild animals.
The outbreak of Covid-19 brought up once again the concerns of Chinese residents over the consumption of wild animals.
In response, the administration in Beijing has announced an outline aiming to ban the consumption of wild animals. According to state media, this is a behavior regarded by the majority of Chinese nationals, as well as by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as a “corrupt custom.”
The Zhuhai protocol does not clearly define the term ‘wild animals’, nor is it explicitly stated or mentioned that domestic animals, including cats and dogs, are not allowed to be eaten.
The protocol lists three conditions for the kinds of animals legally consumable: that they are included in mainland China’s livestock and live poultry list; that they are legally approved for consumption; and that they have passed relevant examination.
China’s consumable livestock and live poultry list does not include cats and dogs, leaving some to suspect mainland China will soon ban their consumption. JZ