The rare Siamese crocodile is being illegally imported into China to meet the ever growing demand for exotic dishes.
The Guardian recently reported the discovery of 3,619 crocodiles close to the Vietnamese border that had perished “due to hot weather”. The animals, destined for restaurants in the southern Guandong province, had not survived the dehydration and cramped conditions experienced during transit.
The black market in crocodile meat is still strong despite government efforts to crack down on the trade. Apparently, control is so lax people have been seen, “walking across the border with crocodiles in boxes on their backs,”
The Siamese crocodile is an endangered species in the wild and more efforts must be taken to stop their illegal trade. Animal rights groups are campaigning for better border inspection, more control of food served in restaurants and hotels and education for consumers on the damage they are doing.
If animal welfare is important to you please sign&share this petition.
We the undersigned are appalled by the illegal trade in the Siamese crocodile between Vietnam and China.
The animal is an endangered species in the wild and more efforts must be taken to ensure that it is protected and to avoid extinction.
We support the call by various animal rights groups for:
- Better inspections at the border with Vietnam
- More control of the ingredients served in hotels and restaurants
- Education to Chinese consumers on the damage caused by the consumption of crocodile meat.
Thank you for your attention.
