With China’s meat consumption having rocketed by 400 per cent in the past 40 years – Animals Asia is challenging people to cut their meat eating days by at least one.

The animal welfare charity is helping to promote the international Meatless Monday initiative within China through local social media platforms, and is already receiving a fantastic response.

Launched at the turn of the year on China’s Weibo network, Chinese Meatless Mondays has attracted 272,000 reads. Sina, the company that runs Weibo, has also helped promote the campaign on its main animal welfare page.

The campaign will continue with inspiring animal stories, recipes and the thoughts of vegetarian celebrities – highlighting the fact that China is now responsible for over one-quarter of the meat consumed in the world.

Chinese supporters have responded to the campaign enthusiastically. Commenters said: 

–      “Totally support Meatless Monday, wish we could have Meatless Everyday”

–      “One meatless day isn’t enough” 

–      “I stopped being vegetarian a while ago, I hope I can start again with Animals Asia!”

–      “Finally there is someone who stands up to be the hero of those poor farm animals.”

Komi Wang, Animals Asia Animal Welfare Officer in China, said:

“Internationally, people don’t always see the link between animal cruelty and their own diet. So while safeguarding endangered animals is an emotive subject, the same consideration isn’t always given to the chicken, beef or pork that’s eaten daily.

“What we’re saying is – we can all save animals, and we can start by giving some thought to what we eat. Meatless Monday is a practical, pragmatic way to lower your impact on animals. It’s also better for the environment, for our health and cheaper for our wallets. Perhaps most importantly, it helps people make that link between animal welfare and their own day-to-day way of life.

“The sheer size of China means that even small changes can have an impact on many thousands of animals. And our animal welfare movements are growing along with the country – and they are being heard.”

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