Shanghaiist: Paul McCartney's hairy problem with China

John Crossley

Tue, 09 May 2006 21:20:20 +0800

I've seen the video & almost threw up at the first horrific seen but steeled myself to come back to the screen and watch the rest.Unbeleivable brutality & cruelty.The people who did this/do this everyday for a living are monstors living in your community. They are sadist in every sense of the word & take great delight in being able to carry out the most horrendous acts on these helpless creatures unchecked.Remember, the only definition you need of a sadist is their complete lack of empathy for another living creature.Studys of serial killers in my country,Australia, have shown that most of them had tortured animals as children. I cant imagine the perpertrators of these acts going home at night and turning into gentle loving human beings. Thats why all countrys must make it unlawfull to carry out acts of cruelty to any creature.Every country has its fair share of monstors and its up to every country to severely limit there activities.In closing I just want to say that if what happened in Guangdong happened in Australia my friends & I would not be sitting on our butts having academic discussions.We would go & stop it.Show the world you've got some heart and balls China. I remember that fellow standing in front of that tank in Tanamin Square(excuse my spelling),what a man. Thank you

lisa

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 07:46:50 +0800

Wow. There is a lot of venom on this topic. I am not proud to be an American or any race yet as an American I do realize as a country we consume in a larger proportion of products including fur. I am however going to try to petition cruelty towards animals. It awakened me to see animals that looked just like my cat being tortured and especially I was horrified by a video of a raccoon being stripped alive. I know I'm being an idealist but I hope that more people from all over are astonished and try to learn about what they do concerning the world around them. I certainly wish to learn more about animal food I eat and hope more of the industry starts to cater to conscientous consumers.If anyone knows any informative websites on food, I'd be glad to look. Thank you

bobby fletcher

Sun, 22 Jan 2006 18:18:51 +0800

Boycott Paul McCartney Please tell Fidelity you will not do business with them, because of Paul McCartney's decision to boycott China, and his affiliation with animal rights activists that have promoted their agenda thru hate by appealing to America's cultural intolerance regarding what animal is not okay to eat: FidelityCorporateAffairs@fmr.com 800-343-3548 Fidelity Investment: I am disappointed to find out Fidelity have decided to affiliate with Paul McCartney, and will reconsider doing business with you. As you may know, last year Mr. McCartney announced his decision to boycott China, at the urgent of animal rights groups such as PETA and HSUS. While I agree animals should be treated humanely by all, especially food animals. What I can not agree is the anti-China message Mr. McCartney and these animal rights activists have employed to further their agenda. By appealing to our society's cultural intolerance regarding what animal is not okay to eat with misleading figures and emotional appeals such as "companion animal", they aim to project a false perception of China and its 1.24 billion citizens, not only obfuscate the real issue of advocating humane farming practice, this position also unnecessarily fosters bigotry against other's society and culture, and could rekindle the racism that was once rampant in our country. America has the right to love our pets, but the issue of what animal to eat is a complex one, especially when crossing the cultural divide. I hope Fidelity will consider this issue carefully, and evaluate its support for insensitive speech and actions. Sincerely,

Jeff J.

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 20:56:05 +0800

this thread is pretty awesome. I think it might be Shanghaiist's first flame. Can we get some applause or what?If people want to get up in arms about something, go sign the petition about this.

MARY LEARN

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 02:32:16 +0800

DEAR SIRS/MADAM: THESS KIND ON ACTS ON DOGS AND CATS ARE TRULY HORRIFIC. WE NEED NOT JUDGE ALL CHINESE BECAUSE ALOT OF THEM LOVE DOGS AND CATS AS COMPANION ANIMALS AND ARE THEIR TRUE FRIENDS. THE FEW THAT DO THIS NEED TO BE PUNISHED AND PERHAPS SHOWN A DIFFERENT LINE OF WORK. THERE IS MORE MONEY IN TOYS AND CLOTHES FOR PETS (BILLION $ BUSINESS A YEAR) THAN THERE IS IN FUR AND FOOD. WE NEED TO SUPPORT THE SOCIETY'S THAT ARE TRYING TO STOP THESE ACTS ON ON FRIENDS AND "NOT" JUDGE ALL CHINESE. AS A CANADIAN, WE ARE NO BETTER WITH CHICKENS, AND BEEF. ALTHOUGH DOGS AND CATS HAVE RIGHTS HERE WE MUST TRY TO EDUCATE AND INFORM THE ONES THAT ARE DOING THESE ACTS. I PRAY THAT THIS WILL STOP SOON. AS A VEGATARIAN AND ANIMAL LOVER I SUPPORT THE KOREAN ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY AND WILL SUPPORT ANY HUMANE SOCIETY IN CHINA AS WELL. MARY & BECKER (MY KITTY) IN CANADA

sue schuman

Tue, 13 Dec 2005 07:16:23 +0800

I saw the Larry King Live show on the abuse of cats and dogs in China. I vomited all night and haven't stopped crying all day. I hope that these pathetic disgusting people who do this to animals get hit with the worst type of cancer and die slowly. I never bought fur before and I will make sure that anything that resembles fake fur or anything else remotely possible to indicate this type of fur will never be purchased by me. I will make it a mission that I get the word out to as many people as possible. ANIMAL LOVERS ROCK!

CLEVER_NAME

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 04:12:22 +0800

PS. Susan H, I hope to god that English is not your first language.

CLEVER_NAME

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 04:07:52 +0800

Jesus christ, some of you people are retarded. Every country has fucked-up animal practices. Some societies care more than others, but the fact remains that every last one of us contributes to it in some way or another.

Nick Withycombe

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 19:35:19 +0800

No. How about that?

Aristotle

Sun, 04 Dec 2005 00:28:13 +0800

Nick, Your point is well-defended. Clearly you have studied my teachings. If you wish to participate in a debate, then debate. Or at least be funny.

Nick Withycombe

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 17:57:25 +0800

I love dogs. But I couldn't eat a whole one. (Sincere apologies) If all cruelty to animals is barbaric - does it matter who is "worse". I believe that the vast majority of Chinese people couldn't care less about cruelty to animals because Asian cultures have an entirely different view of animals compared to western societies. If you ask "Sherry Chen" in Starbucks I'm sure she will say she hates cruelty to anything fluffy (and that she is learning English and can you chat with her for a bit). People say "but killing pigs, cows, chickens is done in a cruel way why don't you care about that". Well to those people I would say to you think it's wrong to torture cats and dogs? "Yes." And how much do you REALLY care about sodding chickens? "Well, I eat them anyhow, so..." Eating some animals is OK. Eating others is not. There may not be a "why" for this, but there is not "why" for many things in life. Certainly not a point which solved anything here.

so what?

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 15:34:29 +0800

The last worldwide pop top 40 song from China was never.

A.Robb

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 10:35:44 +0800

PETA claims victory as J.Crew announces it will stop using fur. This may spell good news for some of China's abused dogs and cats but according to the NY Times, the country's tortured prisoners are still screwed.

Cletus

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 11:17:05 +0800

I find the skin tone of people from certain African countries to be sufficiently different from my own, and the odd guttural language they produce unintelligible. Unlike my lovely pet poodle, who defends my family and I at every opportunity, certain Africans have also engaged in acts of war against humans. Which is why I don't feel there is any problem in consuming African flesh. Alec is right: eating dogs is a form of cannibalism: the wrong kind.

Alec

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 10:52:50 +0800

There comes a time in every debate where belaboring the arguments accomplishes nothing. You have your viewpoint, I have mine. That's fine. My initial point, lost in the clutter above, was that the West is more advanced than China when it comes to the ethical treatment of animals, particularly dogs and cats. If you can't see that, then I assume you don't live here or can't pry off your China-tinted glasses. The second quote was simply to inject a little humor into this moribund thread before I move my mind on to other, more important topics, like the upcoming Beijing-Shanghai clash this weekend at the SFRC. It's from Pulp Fiction. FYI: Humans do understand dog barks. In the latest issue of Discovery, scientists played recordings of dog barks, and those who listening accurately guessed the emotional state of the dog (scared, defending, happy, lost) 9 out of 10 times. Think they'd have the same success guessing what a pig's oink means?

Woof Woof

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 10:33:45 +0800

Is it just me, or did Alec say he can understand dog barks? Can he tell us what the dogs were saying in the video? My version doesn't have English subtitles.

McGruff

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 10:30:46 +0800

Alec, I'm not sure whether to take your last two posts seriously. If you are not joking, I'm disappointed. I may not agree with you, but I was hoping you would have more sound logic to defend yourself. And, to keep harping, did you actually read the Tyson story? It's not just an example of chickens being farmed and genetically tinkered with for more meat (which is what I assumed you were referencing before)--it's an example of senseless torture (breaking chicken legs, scalding them to death, "exploding" them, kicking them as in sport). A person that would forgive this behavior of Americans but deplore it in a few Chinese (and see fault with their country as a whole) is, as TW points out, a hypocrite. Your argument that the level of domestication or "personality" of an animal are the measures of the value of its life is weak. Because a cow can't curl up on the end of my bed, I should feel fine about eating it? Are you familiar with the phrase "slippery slope?" Your argument rests precariously upon one.

A.Robb

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 10:23:05 +0800

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/quotes

TW

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 09:55:07 +0800

Alec. Thanks for finally honestly explaining yourself. Your whole position is based on an illogical, emotive response. As is that of everyone who has been having hysterics about animals on this page. Pigs are domesticated too. We have been living with them for thousands of years too. But because they don't wag their tails at us, you don't mind if they suffer? Hypocrite.

Alec

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 09:43:42 +0800

Plus, dogs got personality. Personality goes a long way. Now, if a pig had a better personality, that would be a different story. But he would have to be ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres.

Alec

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 08:20:25 +0800

Actually, I think I brought up the Tyson chicken example (when I mentioned KFC) before anyone else did. Yes, those actions are deplorable. The anger over the practices of the meat and poultry industry is growing in the States as people are made more aware, and as our society matures I expect more humane practices to eventually be implemented. The problem with unfettered capitalism (as in America and China) is that business will always subvert morals for profit if there are no checks. But how can you compare dogs and pigs? Granted the overall intelligence (however that's measured) might be roughly similar, but dogs have spent the last thirty thousand years evolving to be our closest companion - we have learned to understand their barks, dogs are born 'domesticated', and they protect us as family members if we are threatened. Can the same be said of pigs? We are turning on a species that, given the chance, wants to protect and adopt us and instead EATING them, because the flesh is gamey and goes well with carrots. Sickening. To quote Willie Wonka, "everything in this room is eatable. Even you. But that's called cannibalism, and frowned upon in most countries." Eating domesticated dogs is a form of cannibalism.

Meat is murder

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 06:29:59 +0800

Ironically, the last UK top 40 song by Paul McCartley was "Give My Regards To Broad Street " more than 20 years ago...

Meat is murder

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 06:23:14 +0800

I am Chinese, i agree that killing animals for their meat is so cruel. That is why I am a vegan also/ remember meat is murder and China needs to learn not to eat wild games. The day I saw some Amazonians opened up a huge turtle shell alive and eat it, I decide to not to eat meat anymore.

McGruff

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 20:29:29 +0800

Alec and Keir, and now Malt, No one has addressed the issue of my Tyson chicken example. I am really curious to know how this fits into the logic of your argument. Some interesting links, which include links to video, are below. Please read the account by the Tyson employee: http://www.torturedbytyson.com/ http://www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com/a-tyson.asp The US and China both have examples of sadistic torture of animals. But somehow to you China's is representative of the entire culture, while America's is an exception to the rule? Both are nations that consume tremendous amounts of meat--the difference is you think the consumption of dogs is somehow "worse" than, say, chickens, pigs, cows. Correct me if I'm wrong in dissecting your argument.

Jeff

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 13:45:58 +0800

I don't understand. America also has a fur industry. America also has the habit of eating meat. So why is dogs and cat so much worse? Pigs, cows, and minks are of roughly the same intelligence as cats and dogs. They also die gruesome deaths - videos of kosher and halal cow-slayings are especially nasty. I can't help but think this is a matter of cultural bigotism against Chinese for not observing Western taboos. As for the demand for rare animals for Chinese medicine, or abandoned household pets, I think everybody agrees that's a terrible thing. I also think every sensible person realises comparing the killing of dogs to the Holocaust against Jews is offensive on too many levels to list here. Anyway, India has a large amount of vegetarians and wearing a leather jacket would be pretty taboo. So perhaps we should all move there.

TW

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 09:38:03 +0800

Ms Howlett So the dog-hair trim was sold to Top Shop by a member of the the international Chinese anti-dog conspiracy? I'm glad we've sorted that out then. By the way, have you found any reds under you bed recently?

malt whiskman

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 08:28:54 +0800

Hah. China is worse THE END. The shockingly indifferent and callous manner of these Chinese workers going about business far exceeds anything outside of China save the intentional dog torture found in Korea. The part where the bastard scalds the cat is no less horrifying than whatever could have happened in unit 731 or Dachau. And it's just a laborer doing business. Even a Jihadi severing a captive's head reveals far mor presence of human introspection. Just kill the cat first OK? mms://a805.v9135e.c9135.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/805/9135/0028/peta.download.akamai.com/9135/downloads/animals_asia_med.wmv

Alec

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 08:04:00 +0800

Does the skinning of living domestic pets for their fur offend the moral sensibilities of most Westerners? Could it ever happen in America? Does it outrage the average Chinese person? If so, why is it allowed to continue? Does the poaching of endangered animals for their body parts outrage Westerners? Does it outrage the Chinese? If so, why are they driving this illicit global industry? Does the consuming of domesticated animals outrage Westerners? Does it outrage the Chinese? If so, why can you buy dogs at the markets here for food? These are basic CULTURAL differences. They offend me, as a Westerner. If they don't offend the Chinese (the average Chinese), then we have a cultural impasse. But hiding behind 'well, it's chauvinistic to consider your culture superior' is just that - hiding. Do you make excuses for genital mutilation in Muslim girls? Women not being allowed to ride bikes in Saudi Arabia? I don't. Wrong is wrong. Skinning cats and dogs alive for their fur is wrong. If the Chinese think it's wrong to, then they should put a stop to it. America has many, many flaws. The Biblical sense that the Earth is our private preserve is at the root of many of them; however, according to the Bible (and I'm not a Christian), God gave man stewardship over his creation, including the animals, and America is irrefutably more advanced in this regard than China despite some egregious abuses. Now, America could learn many things from China, such as how to treat the elderly - another cultural difference. I'm not saying Western culture is superior to Chinese as a whole - but in referring here to the ethical treatment of animals China could take a lesson.

Susan H

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 07:28:00 +0800

Dear VD So what if I did, whats it got to do with you! Actually, I’m loving mother of two young children and a happy wife with a pet Mastiff that I care for - NOT EAT! I expect your one of the FREAKS that cage and torture these pets! Only the shock of what was shown on my Evening News has made me angry and sickened! It didn’t make me a Animal Activist - your obviously very, very small minded. You should stand back and listen to yourself - I’m angry at the torture of these Pets not interested in silly comments directed at me! Instead of having a go - why don’t you tell us how to help put a stop to it!!

VD

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 06:42:58 +0800

I can just see this crazy PETA bitch Susan H. throwing buckets of blood at people wearing fur (faux or not) on Fifth Ave. this winter, screaming at the top of her lungs yelling "Murderer" Kodak moment

Chantal

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 06:27:53 +0800

Those who listen to Beatles' music don't eat dogs or cats. Those who eat dogs and cats don't listen to Paul McCartney's music and they don't know who he is and they don't even know he is criticizing them. They don't give a damn where Paul McCartney performs. Isn't ironic?

Susan Howlett

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 06:15:23 +0800

Dear ewing, Didn’t your mother ever tell you that once you swear you’ve lost the battle - there really isn’t any need for all that… is there! Your obviously not capable of holding a discussion - so why don’t you run along! If this barbaric trade was happening here ‘I’ would be ashamed! But thankfully it’s not! I certainly wouldn’t sit back and pretend it wasn’t happening. Which your obviously experts at doing! Don’t panic, I’d rather stay here and go for long walks in the country with my dog!! Dear TW, The only fool is YOU - the person behind the sales team that organised the possible fluffy wuffy trims for Top Shop was found to be part chinese!! So hey… FOOL!

Shocked

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 23:23:36 +0800

Keir: Go download a video of the Tyson plant McGruff mentions. Maybe chickens aren't as cute as puppies and kittens, but your moral argument doesn't much hold up if you don't sympathize with them as well. Truly sadistic, and went on for years. That happened in the US of A. That you and Alec would hold a whole country accountable is ridiculous. I hope you're not American, because after a look into what went down at Tyson you won't want to return home... at least so far as your logic is concerned. I'm certain you'll be turning down that promotion. Let us all know where you end up--I'm curious to learn of this place in which no person has ever tortured an animal, or violated anyone else's cultural sensibilities in some way. Or maybe you'll just settle for a lesser "evil'. In any event, safe travels.

Keir

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 21:09:40 +0800

Has anyone else seen the video? It is more than horrific- it's truly shattering. I'm as cynical as the next guy, but seeing these pathetic creatures - one cat licking another in their cage while being terrorised by a goon, a dog with its collar stillon piteously looking at the horror all around. This is not about the trade- it's about unremitting evil. To quote Lincoln, if THIS isn't wrong, nothing is wrong. God, and I've been offered a promotion at work to stay in this country... I can't even talk to my girlfriend anymore about her country because it makes me sick

TW

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 19:36:59 +0800

Alec : well, yes, I do actually enjoy eating dog meat. Why not? I wouldn't eat it every day (it's a little too gamey for that), but it goes nicely with some carrots. In response to your bizarre ideas about the Chinese being in some way 'worse' than other cultures when it comes to animal cruelty, I'm sure that the industrialization of the west has violently killed and made extinct many more species than the Chinese have had the chance to yet. We got a head start, of course, but we also colonised more places in the world with our callous attitudes to natural resources. Have you forgotten about all the battery chickens, for example, that we have tortured all their lives, and then killed brutally, just for the sake of cheap chicken kievs? Remember what the Bible says about the earth being there for us to use... It's at the heart of our culture too.

McGruff

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 17:07:14 +0800

Alec, You are missing my point. I simply take issue with your castigation of one country/culture in particular, and your decision to label one "worse". Chinese culture, whatever that means (we agree, I think, that it's a vague generalization) does not celebrate torture of animals. Perhaps most Chinese people, if given the opportunity, would enthusiastically abuse animals, but I doubt that. I'm willing to wager that most Chinese people, like most humans, prefer not to torture or otherwise mistreat animals. China's government may take a lax approach to legislation against people that would engage in torture of animals, but again, the subjective label of "worse" is difficult to defend, as is any subjective estimation. Your example could easily be changed to rabbits disfigured for cosmetics companies in "Western" countries, or the relatively recent case of the gross mistreatment of chickens at a Tyson plant in the US. Is a country that has people who like rhino products worse than one in which a teenager that wears X brand cosmetics? And what of Chinese, or anyone else, that eat dogmeat? Are they worse than anyone else of any nationality that eats any meat? My point is everyone can share in the blame, including myself on some levels. But if I contribute to the inhumane treatment of animals, I do so not as an American but as a person.

Alec

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 16:21:20 +0800

McGruff, if you believe that all countries and cultures have the same attitudes towards animal treatment then you are living in PC fantasy land. Example: do you feel indignation when you hear about poachers killing endangered tigers and rhinos? Do you know what drives much of that poaching? It isn't Americans taking powdered rhino horn to prop up their self-esteem. Would it make more sense to single out individuals (poachers, impotent men) to solve this problem, or instead try and educate the entire country about the value of species that, once gone, will never return. Clearly I'm generalizing, but culture is one giant generalization to begin with. There are many, many Chinese concerned with animal rights and welfare, and as China modernizes that number will continue to proliferate. But you have to start somewhere, and even if Paul's approach may be misguided, it's still a worthy cause.

McGruff

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 15:06:24 +0800

Alec, I see where we disagree. You are happy to lay blame on a country: "America is certainly guilty... China is worse." I find such generalizations to be ignorant and unnecessarily inflammatory. We could split hairs on who is "worse", but that would be a long debate without end. An American purchasing cosmetics by companies that mistreat animals, a Swedish person wearing fur, a rich Chinese person dining on shark fin soup, an Argentinian eating a beef steak: all examples of behavior some people would disagree with, none representing a race or culture in its entirety. Lets focus our efforts on the individuals that drive the demand, and the individuals/companies that meet it, and let the census takers worry about citizenship. As for the argument of first-world vs. developing world, I also disagree with you there, but I see your point. I just happen to know a lot of affluent Americans that couldn't care less where their KFC comes from.

Z

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 15:03:23 +0800

Alec, calm down first. I agree most of what you said. Animal abuse in China is horrid and barbaric, as a Chinese myself I know this better than anyone else on the site I reckon. But still, there are many many animal lovers in China as well, I assume you know about luckycats.net and mypethome.chinapet.com, where thousands of Chinese call for animal rights and try their best to save animals. 2 weeks ago, Wang Pei, a woman in Beijing, committed suicide, Wang is one of the rare Chinese quit her job and engaged in fighting for animal rights in China, but she only did it for 5 years. The reason for the suicide was believed she was in desperate after seeing too much tragedy. It would be better if more and more people like Paul could say it out loud and maybe a foreign voice could push the government to make more moves.

Alec

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 14:42:57 +0800

McGruff - I was making a huge generalization, and I know that. The problems with ethical animal treatment is not unique to China, but rather endemic throughout the developing world - perhaps, like the environment, it is something you can only care culture-wide about after you've reached first-world affluence. But China is a rather egregious offender, from the bird's nest soups that are depopulating the cliffs of Thailand to the crushed rhino horn that rich businessmen shell out thousands for to the markets in Shanghai where you can buy dog for the dinner table. America is certainly guilty of horrific crimes against animals (ever seen a KFC chicken?). China is worse. Whether it's cultural, or economics, I don't know. But it is a problem. Dan - I don't know of any dog parks in Shanghai, I'm sorry, but I bet so long as you clean up after the pup he could romp around in most of the slivers of green space in the city.

McGruff

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 14:22:02 +0800

I think most everyone can agree that it is bad to be cruel to any creature. I also think it's ignorant to single out China, and deplorable to generalize and lay blame on a nation of people, or a culture as a whole. Yes, the practices discussed, undertaken in China, are not good. There are people in my own country (USA) that would benefit from an education in the "Golden Rule." I'll go out on a limb, Alec, and say that wherever you're from, people with whom you share a common culture might have ideas you would consider savage. I'll spare us both the indignity of lumping you all together.

Dan

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 14:10:28 +0800

I understand. And thanks for the link, Alec. Slightly off topic: My girlfriend and I would really like to adopt a puppy, but we are afraid it wouldn't have anywhere to run around and, well, be a puppy. Are there any dog parks in this city? Or at least dog-friendly parks? (Preferably walking distance from the Shanghai Exhibition Center part of town.)

Alec

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 13:57:00 +0800

Sorry, just a little ornery this morning. Dan, I wasn't upset with your article - I enjoy just about everything you write, and love this site - my blood was boiled when the first comment was 'where can I find some cat and dog to eat in this city'. And apparently it's very hard to get the everyday people to follow through on simple measures to radically improve the lives of their pets - they are incredibly resistent to the idea of spaying or neutering their animals, even when the service is offered for free, and this is the most basic step necessary to control the exploding population of cats in this city. If they don't listen to Chinese-speaking expats in China, likely an ex-Beatle will have little clout. I'm not saying Paul had really thought things through, but the Chinese government is very, very aware of their international image, and if enough people were outraged then they might just step in and do something about it. Especially considering that a fair number of diseases seem to be originating from the barbaric treatment of animals in southern China. Again, didn't mean to explode, it's just an issue that's pretty dear to me. Anyone who's interested (I hope this is OK), the organization for helping domestic cats and dogs in Shanghai is the SCAA, run by a woman who deserves to be eventually beatified, Carol Wolfson. Their site is here: http://www.scaashanghai.org/

Dan

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 11:21:44 +0800

Never said it wasn't an important issue, Alec. But don't you think to really bring about some change in China, Sir Paul would be better served actually spreading the word in China? Instead of refusing to come here, how about holding a series of concerts throughout the country designed to raise awareness of the proper treatment of animals? How about donating all proceeds from the concerts to the fight to stop barbaric fur farms in Guangzhou and anywhere else they might be? Paul can get the issue all the international exposure he wants, but it's not going to make a difference unless the exposure gets to the people who could benefit from it most -- the Chinese.

Alec

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 10:52:54 +0800

Go ahead, denigrate them you cultured little bohemians. In no way are they as wordly as you are, as knowledgable of this ancient and rich culture. Fact: Many Chinese, and not just Guangdong butchers, act abominably towards domestic animals. As someone peripherally connected with a domestic animal rescue agency here in Shanghai, the sad fact is that there are thousands of pets living (or dying) in pitiable conditions here. Let's expand from the domestic animal sphere: how many species are being pushed to the brink of extinction by the rapacious demands of Chinese diners or pharmacists? I think it's a pretty safe generalization to make that on the whole this culture does not care very much about the survival and well-being of other species. Go ahead, smirk into your lattes as you read this at Figaro, wireless card humming, at 11 AM on a weekday. What do I know? I sure know you haven't visited any of the places referenced by Paul or Mrs. Howlett. Animal mistreatment is one issue of many that China needs to confront, but that doesn't mean it can't be addressed. If Paul brings some international exposure to the situation, and the government is shamed into doing something, right there he has made a difference. Unlike your smarmy remarks.

TW

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 10:12:14 +0800

They had, of course, sourced the dog hair from China. Where it was carefully removed from the live dog by our skilled barbarians. Mrs Howlett, you are a fool.

TW

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 10:10:52 +0800

I recall that a couple of years ago in England it was revealed that a major high-street fashion retailer (Top Shop) had 'inadvertantly' been sourcing dog hair for the 'rabbit hair' trim on it's coats. The products were withdrawn amidst great outcry. So who knows what your pom-poms are made of... Might as well just roll myself up in my mink and forget about the poor little fluffy-wuffy creatures.

ewing

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 08:59:50 +0800

Yes, Mrs Howlett, you are absolutely right. We are all barbarians over here in China. All 1.3 billion of us. Which is why we are hoping you, like Sir Paul, plan on staying the fuck away from our country, too.

Mrs Susan Howlett

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 06:53:41 +0800

Dear China, I wasn’t prepared for what I saw on my TV the other night. I had to turn away! I felt sick! For the first time in my life I was reduced to tears at the pictures of the dogs and cats being savaged by these barbaric people. I couldn’t sleep last night. The only vision I could see was these helpless dogs and cats looking for a way out. You may make light of what Paul McCartney’s done, but at least its something. I should imagine he feels helpless, like myself. I was laying in bed thinking… I wish I could stop it, I wish there was something I could do. To actually live in this country surrounded by this sick trade and do nothing - you must be heartless! How do you sleep at night! You should be ashamed of yourselves and your country!

Jeff Rutsch

Tue, 29 Nov 2005 23:25:37 +0800

Truth be told, I was wondering where in Shanghai it might be possible to find dog or cat on the menu. Any recommendations?

A.Robb

Tue, 29 Nov 2005 17:07:02 +0800

JCruel: Heather Mills McCartney Calls for Boycott of J.Crew Over Sale of Fur From Animals Skinned Alive in China People's Daily: China drafts, revises laws to safeguard animal welfare City Weekend: Puppy Love