Monday, February 4, 2008

Treat Rats with Kindness....


AP News Report....BEIJING - An animal rights group called Monday for China to treat rats with kindness and respect, as millions across the nation begin to celebrate the coming Year of the Rat.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, said it has asked the Chinese government to consider animal welfare laws for rats used in laboratory experiments. The group also recommended a series of guidelines for animals used in science.

"Rats sing, they dream, and they express empathy for others," Coco Yu of PETA's Asia-Pacific branch said in a statement.

China has increasingly become a place of business for international pharmaceutical companies, the group said....

The rat is one of 12 animals in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, which follows the lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year is Thursday.

6 comments:

Paula said...

Rats are fine as long as they are no where near my home :)

Middle-Aged Moi said...

Now I've heard everything. RATS? With KINDNESS? Ugh. I'm sorry, but if any rats, or their stinky cousins, mice, get into my house, they are NOT welcome!

Gracie said...

I am not a big fan of rats...I dont like any rodents....

Kristy said...

In my house rats are not wanted, welcomed, and if there ever was one , I can bet that he would not be treated with kindness!!! They just give me the heebie jeebies!!!

Love, Kristy

Steffie B. said...

I'm not real thrilled with rats....but a cute zodiac decoration is fine! ;)

LaLa said...

Ummm...no! I realize our daughter may be a year of the Rat (thought sure she'd be a Pig) anyway, if she is we are going to go with more of a cute little Mouse thing (like Minnie or Cinderella's friends) LOL