The Impact of China’s Biopolitical Approach to COVID-19 on Pets

Using the frameworks of biopower and uses gratification theory, this article examines treatment pets in China during COVID-19 outbreak role social media fulfilling users’ needs by facilitating discussions on associated animal welfare issues mobilizing advocates to take action. The analysis focuses how comments Weibo, Chinese equivalent Twitter, have influenced public discourse surrounding biopolitical governance animals emphasized zero-COVID policy, which has helped maintain a strong sense national consciousness post-socialist China. study centres an isolated case killing corgi health worker Shanghai it was perceived media. findings suggest that much animosity demonstrated Weibo towards is centred around biopower, or humans more broadly prioritized human life over China’s approach COVID-19. In way, played crucial prominent emergency management pets. concludes should consider adopting standard operating procedure for pet care rescue includes its humans-first disaster response relief measures develop better healthier consciousness, fulfil citizens who value welfare, strengthen consciousness.