Ban tightens on wild animal consumption

Eating exotic wild animals will be subject to fines up to 20 times the value of the animals or related products in Guangdong province starting in May.

According to a new regulation on the protection of wild animals, which was passed by legislators and announced on Tuesday, punishments for illegal hunting, trading and consumption of wild animals in Guangdong will now become more severe.

Under the rule, animals on the national and provincial protected lists, and those with important ecological, scientific and social value, will be joined by others on a new list.

In February, China's top legislature sharpened the ban on the illegal trade of wildlife and outlawed the consumption of wild animals.

Guangdong's regulation also includes restrictions on pets. Wild animals such as birds and reptiles, or others that are deemed to be a risk to public health or pose an ecological hazard, can no longer be kept as pets.