Yulin Dog Meat Festival begins in China despite promises for it to be cancelled

A controversial dog meat festival has begun in China, despite reports claiming that it had been stopped by authorities.

The Yulin Dog Meat Festival was said to have been stopped earlier this year by authorities, with warnings given to vendors to not sell dog meat.

But traders have since claimed that they have not heard anything about the ban, and city officials are now claiming that no such restriction has been implemented.

Reports say that dead dogs have been seen hanging from meat hooks at one of the biggest markets in the city – along with a heavy police presence to prevent previous clashes between stall owners and animal activists attempting to free the animals.

The festival reportedly started around 10 years ago, with vendors claiming that eating dog is no more cruel than consuming beef, pork, or chicken.

But critics of the cuisine claim that the dogs are transported hundreds of miles in cramped conditions ahead of the festival – while some are said to have been stolen.

Jason Baker, an international spokesman for People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), said: ‘We have spoken with several people working within the mayor’s office, the food and drug administration and no one seems aware of a Yulin festival ban.’

Activists claim that some 10,000 cats and dogs are eaten during the 10-day festival – doing so is not prohibited under Chinese law.