Official letter to the FCI

Dear Sir/Madame Re; No for WDS 2019 in China We are deeply concerned about the FCI decision to host the 2019 World Dog Show in China and we respectfully request the FCI to revoke its decision and cancel the General Assembly voting due to serious animal welfare issues in China. We are calling on all sponsors, judges and exhibitors to officially withdraw from this venue. Animal cruelty laws do not EXIST currently in China. As one of the biggest canine organisations in the world, the undersigned are appalled at the lack of concern regards torture and cruelty towards animals (pedigree or non pedigree!) and the well-being of canines should have a much bigger impact on FCI decisions. I note a recent quote on the FCI website “...during which our Chinese member delegation has clearly mentioned the cultural differences between China and most of the other countries in the world....it is not an explanation for the torture and suffering of thousands of Man's Best Friend in China and it cannot be expected to be agreed by dog owners, breeders, exhibitors and all who do care.' We note you have also deemed China relations, an “...excellent opportunity to raise awareness among the Chinese population that the dog, our beloved friend, is a member of our families, a living entity...” As I am sure you will acknowledge, change is likely to be extremely slow (in attitude and behaviour change) towards dogs in China.... therefore the concept of promoting dogs (as seen in your online statements in favour of WDS 2019) as pets may not be readily embraced by 2019. The FCI, CKU and Asian Pacific Section are more likely to maintain their respectful and caring reputation for those who can't speak up for themselves if they are seen to take seriously the request to change the WDS venue. In one respect, this care was reflected in one letter from the FCI & Asia Pacific Section to the Yulin local Government against a festival that thousands of animal lovers have spoken out against. However it saddened many when they realised that the letter sent to the local Yulin Government was dated 22nd of June 2015 after our media campaign against WDS 2019 and after the festival began, NOT BEFORE! It is alleged that more than half of the 68 representatives voted to hold the 2019 WDS in China, please note that over 200,000 (in both petitions) people signed against it. This is OUR VOICE, THE VOICE OF OWNERS, BREEDERS, EXHIBITORS, ANIMAL LOVERS, KENNEL CLUBS/UNIONS. We are all actively involved in daily animal life and we ask that our voices and opinions are heard by the FCI. We call for this planned event to be canceled and placed in a country where dogs are respected and valued as pets, not to be tortured... and not as a food and clothing resource.