Shanghai politicians move to outlaw bushmeat sales

Local political advisers from the Shanghai Committee of the China National Democratic Construction Association, one of China's eight non-communist parties, are drafting a proposal to ban wild animal sales in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Initiated by local CPPCC member Lu Ming and seconded by nearly 30 political advisers, the proposal states that a very small number of bushmeat eaters have brought huge threat to the whole society. Currently, there are no laws or regulations on the sales of wild animal meat.

The advisers suggest a ban on the eating and sales of all wild animals, with only licensed zoos allowed to put wild animals on display. Punishments should be stipulated for hunters, sellers, buyers and those who use wild animals for entertainment.

Gao Fu, director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a press conference on Wednesday that there is enough evidence to link the new coronavirus with wild animals sold at a seafood market in Wuhan.

Better education on the risks brought by sales of wild animals was needed, with outdated beliefs that eating wild animals was good for one's health corrected, the proposal said.