Beining, Jan 5 (IANS) Chinese activists want early legislation to protect animals in a bid to stamp out growing abuse such as slaughter of strays as well as live shows at zoos.

The first comprehensive law to address animal welfare was to be submitted in 2009 but “there is still no clear timetable for legislation”, Chang Jiwen, a law professor at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, who led the drafting team, told China Daily Thursday.

The Law on Protection of Wild Animals is the only existing animal law in the country which prohibits trafficking and abuse. But it fails to protect animals already in captivity.

Meanwhile, the number of cases of animal abuse is mounting.

A group of Web users, who formed a chat group “cat torturers”, constantly posted online pictures of cats being killed or suffering cruelty.

Animal rights groups said this stemmed from public indifference.

Live animal performances often involve acts of cruelty at zoos and wildlife parks, despite a government ban, said Mang Ping, a professor at the Central Institute of Socialism.