Cat meat sold as mutton uncovered in Chinese slaughterhouses

BEIJING: China's market practices have come under scrutiny once again, with disturbing reports emerging about the sale of cat meat disguised as mutton. This revelation came to light during a police inspection of a slaughterhouse.

China has been no stranger to controversies involving the treatment of animals, with previous cases highlighting the distressing conditions in which dogs and rabbits are held in rusty cages. The latest discovery focused on slaughterhouses and restaurants in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, where cat meat was being deceptively marketed as mutton.

Concerned animal lovers played a crucial role in alerting authorities to the hunting of cats and the sale of their meat as food. Over 1,000 cats were rescued from a truck carrying them to these slaughterhouses. The vigilant animal advocates tracked the trucks transporting the cats and subsequently alerted the police. The rescued felines are now in the care of animal welfare organizations.

Guangdong China

Many branches of Good Neighbor Supermarket in Xinxing County, Yunfu City, Guangdong Province openly sell cat meat, and enthusiastic citizens reported it to no avail!

It is illegal to sell #catmeat. The sale of cat and dog meat violates the "Food Safety Law". pic.twitter.com/r13VEHq7ev

— We Are Not Food (@WeAreNotFood) June 29, 2023

In China, half a kilo of mutton costs more than INR 350, which is approximately 30 yuan. In contrast, cat meat sells for just 4.50 yuan. This significant price difference is the reason why traders sell cat meat as mutton, capitalizing on unsuspecting consumers.