Controversial Topic - Pro

To all cat meat salespeople/businesses in China:

I am writing to you today in support of your 'industry.' I know that you have been receiving increasing amounts of protests and pressure from people, native and foreign, to end your 'cruel and immoral' practice of selling cat meat for human consumption. I would like you to know that I support the consumption of cat meat and that you should not fold under your opponents' pressure.

The consumption of cat and dog meat have a history that pre-dates the notion of keeping them as pets. This notion is the primary argument against cat meat consumption, especially in the western world where cats are revered as 'part of the family.' As a result of this cultural notion, eating such animals is condemned. However, this is not a justifiable argument to ban the consumption of cat meat in China. There is nothing inherently immoral or cruel about eating cats. It's only because of societal constructs that it is viewed as abominable by many. In Islam, pork consumption is prohibited yet you do not see Muslims trying to ban pork consumption for everyone else. I am a strong supporter of the "live and let live" philosophy. 

Eating cats has two very important benefits to it: it provides a cheap and viable source of protein and food for poor families who cannot afford other meats, and it helps eliminate the cat overpopulation problem. In the United States, stray and feral cats roam the streets and cause problems for the community, and hundreds of thousands of animals sit in animal shelters or are euthanized because there are simply not enough homes for them. In China, there are many impoverished areas with many hunger-ridden families who cannot afford enough food to sustain themselves. Cats are abundant and therefore cheap; cat consumption seems like the most logical solution.

However, there have been reports that the cats in your trade suffer from inhumane living conditions. such as cramming a large number of cats in a small cage, lack of veterinary care, and some even question the source of these animals (some are stolen pets). While the eating of cats may not be inherently cruel, but subjecting them to harsh treatment is. It is impertinent that you try to give these animals enough space, food, water, and medical care as long as they are still live, sentient beings. Your humane treatment will give people one less reason to protest.

Thank you for your time.