Valentine’s Day

“I was touched to see the love that Americans have for their animals when animal rescue missions hit the headlines following the devastating wild fires in LA last month “

Love is in the air for our companion animals

On this ‘day of love’ I wanted to reflect upon the importance of society extending their emotions towards animals. Love for animals, especially the ones living with us at home, is second nature for the vast majority of people in the west. Our companion animals are part of our extended family, welcomed into our homes – and the pet industry stands at a staggering £8.2BN in the UK and an even more eye watering $250 billion in the USA. 

Indeed, I was touched to see the love that Americans have for their animals when animal rescue missions hit the headlines following the devastating wild fires in LA last month. Whilst firefighters were pushed to extreme limits to save people and neighbourhoods, there was also incredible footage of firefighters battling the flames to save trapped pets and animals. This includes a reporter who risked his own life, and the lives of his crew, to break into a house and rescue three dogs trapped inside. The men did not think twice, knowing that these animals were hugely valued to their owners and a part of their family. The scenes make me feel incredibly emotional, witnessing such acts of bravery but also more importantly, the compassion and empathy felt by complete strangers towards animals.

Social Media attitudes to animals in China

This scenario is in stark contrast to recent events in China, surrounding attitudes towards pets.  Instead of heroic rescue missions for much loved companion animals, people have been taking to social media channels in China to denigrate the sentiments of an animal owner who expressed great sadness at the death of her companion.  The owner was slammed and ridiculed for expressing emotion towards an animal. The owner went on to express her concern over the lack of animal protection law in China and was met with another huge backlash. For example, in the discussion of “support for the criminalisation of animal cruelty”, a netizen replied: “What is the reason to deliberately legislate for dogs and cats? Dogs and cats are nothing special.  People cannot protect people, let alone cats and dogs.”

I know that societal change is not something that can happen overnight. In a recent interview with Voice of America, I was asked my view about the negative comments towards the animal’s owner and about the needs of animal protection law.  I expressed that I am saddened by these negative comments and sympathise with the owner, who did not deserve negative reviews, especially after losing her beloved animal.  I explained that, before any new perception or idea is accepted by society at large, it is bound to go through a process of indifference, denial, ridicule, anger and abuse, which can also be seen in the struggles for the emancipation of slaves, women, child welfare, LGBTQ and other disadvantaged groups. 

Mahatma Gandhi, who led the civil disobedience movement in India, made this inspirational quote for the civil rights movement:

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win”

Therefore, the trolling and mocking of pro-animal protection is actually normal for the process of social change, but it does not mean that this is not a big deal – I hope that people can start to become more aware of the stages of social change.

In a later part of the interview with the journalist, I also pointed out to her that the fundamental differences are the understanding and recognition of animals as sentient beings who have feelings and can suffer.

Animals, Resources or Sentient Beings?

A group of people in Chinese society are working tirelessly to promote public awareness of animals as living beings, and are taking solid steps to improve animal welfare. But, like many analysts, I agree that an animal protection law in China is difficult to legislate. This is due to historic socio-economic norms whereby citizens view the natural environment, including animals, as “resources” to use. If we look at animals from the standpoint of “resource utilisation” rather than “individual life”, it will be challenging to legislate because many people feel that it is absurd to legislate for a “thing”. 

According to a recent article by Faunalytics entitled: Current Consideration of Animals in China is Lagging, there is some hope for change. The article states that: ‘Among the population, it seems to be young people, students, college-educated people, and those who live with or in proximity to companion animals who have the most pro-animal attitudes. However, polls still showed that 80% of respondents knew nothing or very little about the concept of animal welfare and two-thirds of young and highly educated people had never heard about the concept’.

In contrast, countries like Switzerland and Germany recognise animals as sentient beings in their constitutions. In New Zealand, the animal welfare act granted the Great Ape ‘personhood’ status. All these progressive steps demonstrate that animals are not a ‘thing’ any more. We can see that we still have a long way to go in countries like China and others around the world, in order to change their thinking towards animals.

Educating children, consumers and professionals about animal welfare

Educating citizens of China to perceive animals as sentient beings and part of our essential biodiversity is a huge part of ACTAsia’s work. China is the second most populous country in the world, as well as the second largest economy by gross domestic product (GDP) and the fourth largest country by area. Given its size and significance on the global stage, China’s views can affect vast numbers of animals both within and beyond its borders.

This is why ACTAsia’s Caring for Life (CFL) education programmes are so important. We work tirelessly to educate children, consumers and professionals about the importance of animal sentience and caring for animals. 

  • ACTAsia’s CFL children’s education aims to help Asian children, aged between 6 and 12 years old, to develop a sense of compassion and responsibility for animals, people and the environment. It teaches children the importance of protecting animals and the environment and how all living creatures are interconnected. 
  • ACTAsia’s CFL consumer education focuses on raising awareness surrounding the exploitation of animals, people and the environment in production methods for consumer related items. ACTAsia highlight the facts and practices surrounding breeding, animal capture, the conditions that animals are kept in, slaughter methods and the environmentally damaging production process of fur. 
  • ACTAsia’s professional education aims to educate vets across Asia in best practice. Vets learn about animal sentience, anaesthesia techniques for surgery, current spay and neuter methods, the importance of pain management, and how vaccination can control rabies. ACTAsia also promotes responsible pet ownership through education.

If you’re inspired by our vision and wish to make a positive change, please consider donating to ACTAsia. Your contribution directly fuels our efforts to educate others about the importance of animal welfare across Asia. Every donation counts, no matter the size. Help us further our cause and ensure a kinder future for animals, people, and our planet.

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Pei Su is a Chinese sociologist and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ACTAsia, an international NGO established in 2006. She is a strong advocate of education and training as the main vehicle for long term sustainability, aiming to inspire people to understand and appreciate the world we share, and to take responsibility for the protection and preservation of its inhabitants and resources.