Taiwan recently passed legislation banning the slaughtering of dogs and cats for the purpose of consumption.

The BBC reported on this piece of good news, which saw immense traction among their readers, amassing over 2,000 shares, and 20,000 reactions.

This isn't that surprising, as it's great news for animal lovers.

What is surprising is the headline, and teaser, that BBC went with.

The combination of the two gave off the impression that Taiwan was the sole shining light in a region that mercilessly massacred cats and dogs for supper.

And don't take this from us, here are some of the comments from Western readers of the BBC.

This line sticks out.

"I know killing animals is wrong. Too many superstitious people there in Asia with odd morals."

Living in Asia is ruff

Now, some of you might be wondering, "Isn't Singapore in Asia?"

If so, why isn't there a choice of dog meat in your friendly neighbourhood cai png stall?

Well, that's because Singapore has banned the sale of dog meat for some time now.

A Straits Times article earlier this year carried a statement by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) assuring the public that they follow up on any feedback.

"We followed up to investigate on all feedback, and have not found evidence to support such allegations thus far."

And Singapore wasn't the only Asian country that felt hard done by BBC's rather blanket statement.

With other Asians wondering why Europeans don't follow basic animal rights some Asians grant to less furry animals.

That statement is not 100 percent true, as only a few states in India out and out prohibit the slaughtering of cows, but the sentiment stands.

Moreover, the BBC did themselves no favours to accusations that they had unfairly lumped all of Asia together.

The Taiwan story featured a photo of a march in Korea.

Perhaps next time, it will be best to just report what happened, instead of dragging an entire region down on the back of questionable claims.

In fact, they might even be the first in the West to ever do it.

All images adapted from BBC

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