Lychee and Dog Meat Festival

The Lychee and Dog Meat Festival is an annual event held in Yulin, Guangxi, China, during the summer solstice. At this festival, attendees consume dog meat and lychees. Since its inception in 2009, the festival has spanned about ten days each year, with reports indicating that thousands of dogs are consumed.

The event has faced significant criticism both within China and internationally due to concerns about animal cruelty. Allegations include the inhumane treatment of dogs, theft of household pets for consumption, and violations of laws regarding dog vaccination and transportation.

In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and growing global pressure, Chinese authorities made statements against the festival, classifying dogs as companions rather than livestock. Despite initial efforts to ban the dog meat market in Yulin, the festival resumed in June 2020.

Reactions to the festival have been diverse. Domestic and international public figures, activists, and organizations have strongly advocated against it, calling for an end to the practice. Social media campaigns, petitions, and political resolutions have been launched to condemn the festival and urge legal action to prohibit the dog meat trade in China.

Media coverage, including articles, news reports, and social media posts, has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the festival and its controversial practices. Celebrities, politicians, and animal rights groups have voiced their opposition, emphasizing the need to stop the consumption of dog meat in Yulin. Public outrage and protests have been significant, with calls for legislative action and international support to end the festival.

Despite these efforts, the festival continues to be held, fueling ongoing debates about animal rights, cultural practices, and the ethical treatment of animals.