Livestock rights should be fully protected by law to guarantee
meat quality, a political advisor has said.
Livestock protection measures should be taken in the course of
breeding, transportation and slaughter for providing meat of high
quality, said Xie Xialing, a member of the National Committee of
the Chinese People's Political Consultative Congress (CPPCC).
"The livestock breeding industry has a direct bearing on the
lives of the general public. A healthy environment that features
enough fodder, comfortable facilities and first-aid to epidemic
control is vital for improving people's livelihood," Xie said.
Livestock abuse should be prohibited, said Xie, adding that
euthanasia can be applied when necessary.
Although China boasts a large quantity of meat production, its
meat export volume lags behind due to poor breeding and slaughter
practices, said Xie, citing chickens are often confined to small
cages for months before being slaughtered, resulting in the low
quality of meat.
Scientific research has proved that cruel animal slaughter
causes an increase of lactic acid and adrenaline in livestock,
which will harm people's health after having the meat.
It is reported that more than 100 countries have passed laws to
protect livestock rights and some well-known food companies have
included livestock rights protection in their evaluation of meat
quality.
(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2007)