Henan Xinxiang City has proposed to list "Dog Chase Rabbit" hunting skills as a municipal intangible cultural heritage, sparking controversy. Animal protection volunteers argue that wild rabbits are protected animals, questioning the move's potential encouragement of hunting protected species. Others contend that "raising slim dogs to chase wild rabbits" is a long-standing rural custom worth preserving. In areas such as Northern Henan, Guanzhong Plain, and Southwestern Shanxi, this activity has a long history as a traditional method of obtaining meat and a rural entertainment activity. Xinxiang authorities reported that a "Dog Chase Rabbit" folk sports competition was held in Fengquan District in April. However, animal protection volunteers allege that the Mongolian rabbit, widely found in Henan and North China, is protected by the Wildlife Protection Law as a species with important ecological, scientific, and social value. In response to criticism, the Xinxiang Culture and Tourism Bureau's industry non-heritage department staff stated that they have received the application from Fengquan District and will coordinate with the forestry department to verify the materials. The final evaluation results are expected to be announced by December. Professor Gao Lihong from the Center for Environmental and Natural Resources Law at Central South University of Finance and Law told Southern Metropolis Daily that intangible cultural heritage protection does not mean preserving every historical behavior. For such projects, traditional knowledge and cultural memories can be preserved, but real-world transmission and exhibitions must comply with wildlife protection laws.
Henan Xiangyang City has included "Dog Chase Rabbit" hunting skills in a proposed list of municipal intangible cultural heritage items, causing debate. Animal protection activists argue that wild rabbits are protected animals and question the intent behind this move to promote hunting of these protected species. Meanwhile, supporters claim it is a traditional long-standing rural custom that should be preserved. This pastime, "raising slender dogs to chase wild rabbits," has existed for centuries, serving both as a traditional means of procuring meat and as a rural entertainment activity in regions like Northern Henan, Guanzhong Plain, and Southwestern Shanxi. The local government reported hosting a "Dog Chase Rabbit" folk sports event in Fengquan District this April.
On September 9, Fengquan District issued a public notice of proposed municipal intangible cultural heritage items for the seventh batch, which includes "Dog Chase Rabbit" hunting skills. Animal protection activists have pointed out that the Mongolian rabbit, extensively found in Henan and North China, is protected under the Wildlife Protection Law as a species with significant ecological, scientific, and social value. In reaction to the criticism, the Xinxiang Culture and Tourism Bureau's industry non-heritage department confirmed they have received the application and will collaborate with the forestry department to verify it before the final results are expected to be announced by December. Professor Gao Lihong stated that intangible cultural heritage preservation does not entail maintaining all historical actions. Preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural memories is possible, but real-world transmission and performances must adhere to wildlife protection laws.