City University switches sides again on roast pig-cutting tradition, foregoing political correctness
- University served roast pigs at the opening of its new veterinary centre – then appeared to back down to activists. Now it has switched sides again
A Hong Kong university that carved up two roast pigs at the opening of its new veterinary centre – and then appeared to back down to animal rights activists – has clarified its position in a debate that pits local culinary culture against political correctness.
Sunny Lee Wai-kwong, vice-president of City University, said on Wednesday the school had not banned the custom of roast pig-cutting, despite a statement last week that suggested an end to the ancient tradition.
Even as Lee made his remarks, however, an activist blasted the university for being ignorant to animal rights and insensitive to the bad press it had earned from environmentalists.
The controversy began on March 27 when the university’s Veterinary Medical Centre was opened in Sham Shui Po with a celebration that included the consumption of two roast pigs, a centuries-old delicacy synonymous with big events.
Images of the roast pigs were soon posted on CityU’s Facebook page and animal lovers were quick to express outrage. The new veterinary centre was criticised for consuming animals even before it started curing them.