Releasing animals into the wild has a long history in China, dating back to the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.- 220 A.D.) The practice is thought to cultivate kindness, compassion, and benevolence, but it did not become popular until Buddhism was introduced to China. (Xinhuanet file photo)
The mountains of Beijing have been crawling with new critters in recent weeks, and locals aren't happy about the new additions to the food chain.
According to a report in the Beijing Evening News on Monday, more than 300 foxes and raccoon dogs were released in Beijing's Huairou District without authorization. The captive animals were reportedly set free by Buddhists as a way of showing benevolence and earning merit.
Releasing animals into the wild has a long history in China, dating back to the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.- 220 A.D.) The practice is thought to cultivate kindness, compassion, and benevolence, but it did not become popular until Buddhism was introduced to China.
The tradition has caused controversy in recent years after guinea pigs and venomous snakes were reportedly released into the wild, causing public panic.
Peng Yuchun, a villager in Huairou's Tanghekou Township, said the animals have attacked chickens, causing complaints among locals.
"Hundreds of foxes were released into the mountains a few days ago and killed some of my chickens," Peng told Huairou's forestry bureau.
A witness who saw the animals being released said that several people drove to the township on March 27 and "released a bunch of foxes."
The local forestry bureau told Xinhua that all the freed animals were arctic foxes, which are not a protected species in China. The foxes and raccoon dogs were all raised in captivity, according to the bureau.
Staff with the bureau said they have retrieved more than 100 foxes, many of them already dead, presumably from starvation as the animals were not equipped to survive in the wild.
Local police have launched a manhunt for those who released the animals.
A similar incident was reported last week in east China's Anhui Province, after more than 100 foxes were freed in a village in Huangshan City. Investigators found that the releasers bought more than 100 foxes from a farm in Shandong Province and freed them with the help of a local monk.
Local authorities have captured 120 foxes, with eight of them dead. The rest have yet to be retrieved.
The recent cases have fueled online debate, with netizens remaining divided on the issue. While many argue the practice conforms with Buddhist belief, others say the practice disturbs the ecological balance and harms society.
According to Chinese law, freeing wild animals must be done with authorization, and the environment must be suitable for the animals' survival.
