Worrying trend of "blind box” animal couriers found in China.

Recently, 160 cats and dogs were found by animal protection activists inside a courier company’s truck in Chengdu, as part a trend that sees people ordering a box containing a live animal, sent to them via post. This is despite a ban by the Mainland authorities on the transportation of live animals. According to social media, it has become increasingly popular for animals to be delivered by these “blind boxes”. All of the 160 animals found were extremely young, at only 1 to 3 months old.

 The animals were packed in plastic boxes with bread to eat and each box had 3 animals. There were approximately six rows of boxes, each with about 10 containers stacked on top of each other. Unfortunately 4 of the 160 animas were found dead. Upon learning of the situation, many people went to the scene to help the animals by feedings them and giving them water. At present, the rescued cats and dogs have been quarantined, and after they are checked for health problems, will go to an animal rescue shelter.

 Animal protectionist groups pointed out that the express delivery list showed most of the cats and dogs to be mixed-breeds border collies/sheepdogs and mixed breed blue-coated cats, however in reality most of them were found to be “Tang” dogs (唐狗). Animal rescue groups worry that if these animals were not found, many would be abandoned due to them not being a pure breed.

The courier involved, ZTO Express, said they have since launched additional training regarding postal safety and national animal protection. Chengdu Jinniu District Public Security Bureau police have said this is not a police matter and is regulated by the Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. However, there is yet to be any result from the investigation. The Bureau added that if delivery companies knowingly deliver live animals, they should be punished.

Under Hong Kong law, a person who brings in Hong Kong or drives, carries, transports, removes, or has or keeps, or knowingly suffers to be had or kept under his control or on his premises, any animal in any way which causes it needless or avoidable suffering shall be liable on summary conviction to aa fine of $200,000 and to imprisonment for 3 years: see section 3(1)(g) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, cap. 169.

Courtesy of Michelle Cheung 

Main Sources: Apple Daily & BBC