The Ministry of Education has included the topic of animal welfare in the curriculums of veterinary medicine courses this school year, reflecting the country's rising concern for animals, an expert said.

Jia Zili, secretary-general of the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association's Animal Health Service and Welfare Branch, told China Daily that the ministry has included animal welfare as a compulsory course in veterinary education.

"Animal welfare is still not widely accepted, even among veterinarians, who are probably the closest to animals," said Jia, who has been involved in negotiations over the new policy.