An animal's best friend

According to media reports, more than 50,000 dogs were slaughtered in the first few days after mainland officials ordered mass killings in response to a rabies outbreak. Many of these had reportedly already been vaccinated against rabies when they were killed.

Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) was flooded with 15,000 letters from citizens around the world begging authorities to stop the massacres. I went to the mainland with another Peta representative, Coco Yu, to learn more about the dog killings.

In Nanjing , officials assured us that the figures in media reports were inaccurate. They told us that only 100 dogs had been rounded up there so far this year, and all were taken to a local animal shelter.

The Ping'Am animal shelter confirmed the government's claims. We visited the shelter and learned that the dogs are not being killed, and that the shelter is receiving government funding. Additionally, the authorities told us there is no rabies problem in Nanjing, and no need to kill any dogs.

Then it was on to Jining , where the mayor assured us that no killings were being carried out. Aside from Nanjing and Jining, Peta is working with officials from other cities and towns to make sure dog culling becomes a thing of the past.

We want to help them develop and implement a humane rabies-prevention programme. We're starting by providing the government with posters and guidelines for humane rabies control. We're also auctioning off on eBay a handmade card designed by Jackie Chan. The proceeds will go towards implementing the humane rabies-prevention programme.

The heart-shaped card features the Chinese characters for 'love' and 'respect' along with Jackie's signature and this inscription: 'Of course it is our duty as human beings to love and respect each other. But that obligation extends to our animal friends, as well. They are just as deserving of our care and kindness.'