The Chinese government recently shocked the conservation world by declaring that rhino and tiger parts could once again be used for medical purposes. Despite recent pro-conservation efforts made by the country, including the banning of domestic ivory trade in 2017, China made a controversial decision that has major repercussions for endangered wildlife.
The new law says that parts of farmed rhino and tigers can be used for medical research and treatments in “qualified hospitals by qualified doctors”. It is actually a reversal of the ban instated in 1993, which declared that the use of these animal parts for medicine was prohibited.
Following uproar from environmental groups though, China has now postponed the plans.
Officials said that the policy has been “postponed after study”. A specific reason has not been given, nor has a timeframe, but State Council Executive Deputy Secretary-General Ding Xuedong stated: “the Chinese government has long been dedicated to the cause of wildlife protection and has made achievements recognized by the world.”
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) responded to the news, saying that the postponement “signaled a positive response to international reaction.”
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