Yulin’s Lychee‑and‑Dog‑Meat Festival: A Cultural Clash On the 22nd of June
On the 22nd of June 2018 at 8:55 AM, the southern Chinese city of Yulin sparked a lively debate as locals defended their tradition of eating dog meat for the summer solstice, while animal rights activists pushed for the festival’s cancellation.
The Festival in a Nutshell
Yulin’s ten‑day celebration, affectionately dubbed the “Lychee and Dog‑Meat Festival” by residents, is a long‑standing custom. For decades, it has drawn the ire of dog lovers who publicly confront buyers, sellers, and diners every year.
Activists Take Action
- Recently, animal rights groups have raided slaughterhouses and intercepted truckloads of dogs, aiming to curb the number of animals killed.
- They argue that the trade is cruel and unhygienic, flagging footage of dogs lassoed, crammed in tiny cages, and slaughtered with metal rods.
Defiance from the Locals
One Yulin resident, Wang Yue, told Reuters that the “Lychee and Dog‑Meat Festival” is simply a popular custom, and “customs cannot be labeled right or wrong.” He added, “The scenes of bloody dog slaughter that you see online, I want to say that the killing of any animal will look bloody. I hope people can look at this objectively.”
Why It Matters
In some parts of southern China, dog meat is believed to be health‑boosting in warm weather. However, Humane Society International claims that the festival is “manufactured” by dog‑meat traders and that dog meat isn’t part of mainstream Chinese cuisine.
Official Stance
The event is not officially sanctioned by Yulin authorities. Police say that their efforts to “maintain stability” have reduced the number of activists in the city this year.
Public Opinion
Social media in China is split. Calls from animal lovers to boycott or cancel the festival are met with claims that preserving local tradition and maintaining public order is paramount.
Challenges for the Activists
International animal rights groups say that pressure on the dog‑meat trade has become tougher, especially now that China requires foreign NGOs to register with police. The move has led to new strategies—like appealing to environmental laws—to convince local authorities to put an end to the trade.
University Professor’s Appeal
Zhang Huahua, a professor at South China University of Technology in Guangzhou, wrote to Yulin officials complaining that the festival violated environmental protection regulations. She noted that the chaotic slaughter of dogs, transported to Yulin without inspection, “severely damages public order, popular custom and the environment.” Yulin authorities say that Zhang’s letter will be processed “in line with regulations.”
