For Martin Alles: interview with Jill Robinson: excerpt -- a good read. Q. How do cultural attitudes toward the treatment of animals in Asia, especially China and Vietnam, differ from those in the West? A. People of my age generally in China have grown up under terrible circumstances, and have not been encouraged to see animals as anything other than “things” to be exploited for personal gain — whether meat, fur, protection, etc. Owning cats and dogs as pets was considered bourgeois and very much frowned upon. Therefore, discussions surrounding animal welfare regulations and laws have been slow to emerge. However, benevolence toward animals does originate in China from centuries ago, and today empathy for animal welfare is seen as a rediscovery of Chinese ancient culture and values. This movement of Chinese people against injustices in their country is exhilarating, considering the successes for the animals it brings. Also, seeing people enjoy the company of companion animals is very much in keeping with the change in China’s social structure today, where dogs and cats are seen as playing an important role in a developing society. Since beginning our animal therapy program, “Dr. Dog,” in 1991, we have seen this initiative growing to over 1,000 dogs across Asia cheering up patients in hospitals, centers for the disabled, homes for the blind, deaf, elderly and young. It has spread to seven countries. sinosphere.blogs.nytimes/2014/12/26/q-and-a-jill-robinson-on-animals-and-empathy-in-asia/?smid=tw-share&_r=0
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 23:34:42 +0000
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