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Crackdown on wild animal dealers
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THE city kicked off a campaign against illegal wild animal dealers on Monday, as part of the campaign to prevent further decline in wildlife numbers and to mark World Environment Day, which was yesterday.
Officials from Shenzhen's Agriculture Bureau, Wild Animal Protection Institute, Forest Public Security Bureau and Fishing Administration raided four markets in Futian and Luohu districts, where varieties of wild animals, including endangered species, were confined to cages, awaiting wealthy gourmets.
The Dongmen market, which has been likened to a small zoo, has become an important source of game for restaurants in Shenzhen.
Officials confiscated hundreds of birds and fish from the markets, many of which are valuable species under State protection.
Four hundred more birds and dozens of fish were released in Fairy Lake Botanical Garden on Monday afternoon.
Authorities in Guangdong Province have tightened regulations on illegal hunting, fishing and consumption of wild animals. Provincial lawmakers have just passed a new regulation subjecting those knowingly consuming State-protected animals or their products to a fine of 10,000 yuan (US$1,200), and those hunting, processing or killing such animals to hefty fines.
Cantonese are well-known gourmets with a taste for exotic animals. Experts have urged people in the province to change their eating habits.
To show their support for the city's wild animals and environmental protection campaign, about 10,000 locals, led by municipal officials, yesterday signed pledges to not eat wild animals.(Alfred Zhang)
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