GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY CAN HELP BUILD ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS IN CHINA

The Global Pet Industry Can Help Build Animal Protection Laws in China

A Call from VITA – The Voice for Animal Life

The global pet industry has grown into a market worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Every day, millions of families around the world place their trust in companies that exist because of the love people have for their companion animals.

Yet in China, there is still no comprehensive national law specifically protecting companion animals from cruelty and abuse.

This legal gap leaves countless dogs and cats vulnerable to mistreatment and has contributed to repeated cases that have shocked the world.

The death of Wang Wang, the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, and the growing concern over online animal torture content have generated global outrage.

At the same time, these tragedies have inspired an unprecedented international call for meaningful and lasting change.

But this call is not coming only from outside China.

Across the country, rescuers, veterinarians, volunteers, academics, organizations and citizens are working tirelessly to improve the future of companion animals. They deserve recognition, encouragement and international support.

A LEGISLATIVE OPPORTUNITY

In 2025, National People’s Congress Deputy Zhao Wanping, together with 31 other deputies, submitted a proposal for a Companion Animal Protection and Management Law in China.

According to the proposal, China’s current legal framework for companion animals is fragmented and insufficient, contributing to recurring cases of abuse, abandonment and illegal trade. The proposal calls for the creation of a national Companion Animal Protection and Management Law.

It represents an important opportunity for progress and demonstrates that the conversation about stronger legal protection is already taking place within China itself.

Supporting this effort means supporting Chinese voices working toward a more compassionate future.

OUR APPEAL

We respectfully invite the global pet industry to use its voice, influence and leadership to support the advancement of animal protection laws for companion animals in China.

We encourage companies with operations, partnerships or business interests in China to:

• Publicly support the development of legal protection for companion animals.

• Encourage constructive dialogue that advances animal welfare.

• Support organizations and initiatives peacefully working toward legal reform.

• Demonstrate that responsible business includes compassion, ethics and respect for life.

This is not a political campaign.

It is a humanitarian and ethical appeal consistent with responsible corporate citizenship and ESG principles.

COMPANIES WE INVITE

We respectfully invite companies such as:

• Mars Petcare (Pedigree, Royal Canin, Whiskas)

• Nestlé Purina

• Hill’s Pet Nutrition

• Virbac

• Zoetis

• Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

• Elanco

• ADM Pet Nutrition

• Champion Petfoods (Orijen & ACANA)

• Wanpy

• And every company that believes compassion should have no borders.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Businesses help shape society.

Their voices influence consumers, governments, suppliers and communities.

By supporting constructive dialogue and legal progress, the global pet industry can help create a future where companion animals are protected by law.

This is an opportunity to stand alongside Chinese citizens, professionals and public representatives who are already working toward that goal.

SIGN THIS PETITION

If you believe every dog and every cat deserves legal protection, regardless of where they live, please sign and share this petition.

Together, we can support those already working for change, encourage constructive dialogue, and help build a future where compassion is reflected in law.

This is a global call led by VITA, together with animal advocates, rescuers, veterinarians, organizations and citizens who believe that compassion should have no borders.

@vita.vozanimal