'China, stop eating cats': Protest in Seoul sparks global animal rights debate; receives mixed reactions

The streets of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, saw a small protest focused on animal rights, where demonstrators held signs reading, "China, stop eating cats." The participants aimed to raise awareness about cat meat consumption and encouraged more dialogue around animal welfare. A video of the protest, which has since gone viral - especially on X (formerly known as Twitter) - showed people rallying specifically against the controversial practice in China.

Despite growing domestic opposition within China, the slaughter and sale of cats for food continues in certain regions. Protesters in Seoul wore cat masks and held up images and signs of cats, urging the Chinese government to take immediate action. It seems like many of the demonstrators were affiliated with local and international animal rights groups.



The protest follows years of global outcry against similar practices, with groups like the Chinese Animal Protection Network leading grassroots efforts within China to push for legislative bans on cat and dog meat. Though some cities like Shenzhen and Zhuhai have outlawed it, China still has no nationwide law preventing the consumption of these animals.



While the protest was met with support from many animal lovers online, it also drew sharp criticism - particularly on platforms like X. Some accused the demonstrators of cultural bias, pointing out that South Korea itself consumes large quantities of meat.

One user commented, "It's only a matter of cuteness for humans to decide which animal to protect and which animal to eat. Ps— Don't come at me in replies. I'm a vegetarian & thinks no animal should be killed for the taste."


Another said, "This is literally the stupidest thing. People that eat cute baby ducklings telling people that eat dogs to stop. People that eat dogs tell people who eat cats to stop. People who eat cats tell people who eat snakes to stop. People who eat snakes tell people who eat cows to stop."


Some even pointed out that South Koreans eat dog meat, while now raising their voices against China’s consumption of cat meat. "Everyone should stop eating pets. But I have never in my life seen any Chinese eat pets, I do know though Koreans eat dogs. The Chinese that eat dogs are mostly ethnic Korean as well."


As people argue online, one thing is clear: the protest in Seoul has started new talks around the world about animal rights, different cultures, and what kinds of meat people think are okay to eat.

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