Dog meat

"Zhuhai's ban on dog and cat meat eating is thrilling news for all those in China and around the world who have campaigned for so long to end this brutal trade," said Wendy Higgins from HSI.

"This ban also responds to the demand and spirit of human civilization," a spokesperson for the Shenzhen government said.

Founder of CARE organization alleged to have killed healthy dogs to free up space in shelters.

"People believe that heat cures heat, so they eat dog meat and spicy dog soup on the hottest days."

10 million dogs are slaughtered for food in China every year, out of 20-30 million dogs worldwide.

A dozen restaurants in the host county serve dog meat, and only two have take up the government's offer to stop.

The syringes contain enough poison to kill dogs on contact, police said.

Animals Asia reportedly found meat from canines as an ingredient in several items on supermarket shelves.

Taiwan has doubled the maximum prison term for animal cruelty to two years.

"It's healthy, just like raising pigs or chickens, it's fine," said one supporter.