"Wild animals'' was the most frequently heard phrase Tuesday at the public hearing on the draft of the Guangdong Provincial Public Health Work Regulations.
Five articles in the draft are set to be discussed and revised giving consideration to extensive suggestions and advice from the representatives appearing at the hearing, from all walks of life in the province.
The major issue under discussion is the changing attitude toward the treatment of wild animals.
Whatever their views, speakers at Tuesday's hearing made at least one thing clear, that is, the revision of the current article is a must.
Article Seven of the draft states that citizens should maintain civilized and hygienic eating habits, banning the consumption of wild animals in order to cut the chain of disease transmission.
However, most of the delegates proposed a much more relaxed approach.
Zhang Yuanhao, director of the Guangzhou Public Hygiene Office, said it would be better if the draft stressed that wild animals should not be eaten unless they are checked and quarantined.
Some, especially those engaged in animal breeding industry, suggested that the eating ban should only focus on nationally protected wild animals.
(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2003)
