Minutes

Councillor M. Evans asked:

Back at the end of January, I proposed a motion at Council which had unanimous support urging Guangxi Province to stop the barbaric practices and animal cruelty at the Annual Yulin Dog Meat Festival.

A letter was sent on 19^th February 2019 to the Director of their Foreign Affairs Office signed by yourself urging them to stop this festival, and put an end to the unnecessary cruelty and suffering to animals.

Since then have you chased them up, and what steps do you intend to take next, bearing in mind the huge outcry from residents across the city?

The Leader responded:

I can confirm that no response has been received to my letter of 19th February 2019 and we are chasing a response.

It is unlikely however, that the letter alone will cause the Wuzhou Municipal People’s Government (WMPG) to change its approach to the Festival but it will add to the chorus of condemnation that the WMPG receives on the topic.

The letter is the best and strongest expression of condemnation that the Council can send. It is doubtful that any further representation or action will have any greater impact.