China upgraded the status of dogs from livestock to pets primarily in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the associated health concerns linked to wildlife and the consumption of animals. The change reflects the progress of human civilization and public concern for animal protection, recognizing dogs as companion animals rather than traditional livestock. This new classification aligns with a nationwide ban on the trade and consumption of wildlife and follows local actions such as the city of Shenzhen banning the dog meat trade. The official explanation cited by China's Ministry of Agriculture highlights that dogs have evolved from being traditional domestic animals to loyal companions and are generally not regarded as livestock worldwide, thus China should similarly treat them as pets rather than livestock. This shift also corresponds to growing public sentiment in China against the dog meat trade and heightened awareness of animal welfare and health risks from consuming wild and certain domestic animals.