Penalty enhanced for killing, eating endangered species

Those who eat endangered species at restaurants might receive criminal punishment, according to a draft judicial interpretation being reviewed this week by China's top legislature.

If a person buys rare or endangered wild animals to eat or for other illegal purposes and is aware of the animal's protected status, they will be punished in line with the Criminal Law, the draft says.

It is scheduled to be reviewed from Monday to Thursday by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.