Vending

Controversy breaks out in China over pet vending machines

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May 23, 2024

A video from Beijing has reignited debate in China regarding the sale of live animals, like cats and dogs, through vending machines, according to a Turkmenportal report.

The footage shows cats in small compartments within the machine. While some social media users expressed concern about the animals' well-being in such confined spaces, others noted the pets appeared healthy, according to the news outlet.

However, the controversy stems from previous instances where animals in similar vending machines were reportedly kept in poor conditions, with some even dying. This is not the first time China has seen such practices. The news outlet reported that in 2020, Shanghai had a vending machine dispensing live animals as prizes.

Animal rights activists have condemned the practice, calling it cruel and emphasizing the potential harm to the animals' physical and mental health. They argue that this method of pet acquisition does not promote responsible pet ownership. Authorities in China are likely to face renewed pressure to address this controversial practice.