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)