To the Government of the People's Republic of China

I write with profound respect for China—one of the world's oldest civilizations and today one of the greatest global powers. China's remarkable achievements in science, technology, infrastructure, economic development, and poverty reduction have transformed not only the nation but the world. As one of humanity's leading countries, China has both the opportunity and the responsibility to lead by example on issues of justice, ethics, and compassion.

It is therefore deeply distressing that China remains the only major country in the world without a national anti-animal cruelty law. Legal scholars and experts on Chinese law have repeatedly highlighted that, despite existing legislation protecting wildlife and regulating certain industries, there is still no national law that specifically criminalizes cruelty against animals or recognizes animals as sentient beings deserving protection from abuse.

This legal gap has devastating consequences.

In recent years, the world has witnessed the emergence of organized online networks dedicated to torture animals, especially cats. These groups produce, commission, and distribute videos depicting extreme acts of cruelty for entertainment and profit. Investigators and animal protection organizations have documented these networks for years, while many perpetrators have escaped accountability because China lacks a law that directly criminalizes acts of animal cruelty. Instead, when prosecutions occur, they generally rely on unrelated offences rather than recognizing the suffering inflicted upon the animals themselves.

This is not only an animal welfare issue. It is a question of public morality, social responsibility, and the values that define a great nation.

China is undergoing a profound social transformation. Today, more than 126 million cats and dogs live in Chinese urban households, and the country's companion animal population continues to grow rapidly. Analysts project that by 2030 China will have significantly more companion animals than young children, reflecting changing demographics and the increasingly important role animals play as beloved family members. A society that embraces millions of animals into its homes should also provide them with the basic legal protection that every vulnerable being deserves.

Therefore, this remarkable transformation carries with it an equally significant responsibility.

Animals are not objects. They are sentient individuals capable of feeling pain, fear, joy, stress, affection, and companionship. Modern science has established this beyond doubt. Yet under current Chinese law, animals are treated as property rather than as living beings whose suffering deserves legal recognition. This legal framework leaves countless animals vulnerable to abuse while preventing authorities from responding effectively to acts of deliberate cruelty.

Such legislation would not only protect animals—it would protect society.

Research from around the world has consistently shown that extreme cruelty to animals is associated with broader patterns of interpersonal violence and antisocial behaviour. Preventing deliberate cruelty helps foster empathy, respect for life, and safer communities. Indeed, Chinese legal scholars and policy experts have argued that animal cruelty is not merely a private matter but one with implications for social stability and public morality.

A comprehensive national animal protection law would also reflect China's own cultural traditions. For centuries, Chinese philosophy has emphasized compassion, benevolence, harmony between humanity and nature, and respect for all forms of life. These values remain deeply admired throughout the world and deserve to be reflected in modern legislation.

As a global superpower, China's influence extends far beyond its borders. Nations look to China for leadership in technology, commerce, infrastructure, and international development. Leadership, however, is measured not only by economic strength but also by moral progress. The greater a nation's power, the greater its responsibility to protect the vulnerable and to promote justice.

Passing a comprehensive national animal protection law would send a powerful message to the world: that China chooses compassion and justice alongside prosperity, and responsibility alongside strength and progress.

Such a law would demonstrate that economic success and respect for life are not opposing ideals, but complementary values that define a truly great nation.

On behalf of animal advocates and compassionate citizens around the world, we respectfully urge the Government of the People's Republic of China to enact and enforce a comprehensive national animal protection law that recognizes animals as sentient beings, criminalizes acts of cruelty, dismantles organized animal torture networks, and ensures that every animal in China receives the legal protection it deserves.

History remembers great nations not only for what they built, but for what they chose to protect.

We sincerely hope China will become a global leader in compassion by giving a voice, through the law, to those who cannot speak for themselves.

Respectfully,