Yulin has a population of approximately 6.7 million. The Yulin government distanced itself from the festival which killed as many as 10,000 dogs for human consumption. In a statement they issued some strict rules: traders would no longer be permitted to slaughter dogs in public, place carcasses on display or serve meals outdoors. Many Chinese have signed online petitions at “change.org” seeking a ban on the festival. Some of international celebrities including Ian Somerhalder, Leona Lewis, Lori Alan, comedian Ricky Gervais and Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen asked to stop this festival. “As foreigners who have great respect for the Chinese people and Chinese civilization, We are saddened to learn that the Yulin “Dog Meat Festival” still exists in a modern civilized society. We believe that this event has no place in the 21st century. We adamantly voice our strong opposition to this barbaric ‘festival’, “ a petition online says.
