China could end a centuries-old custom and remove dogs and cats from the menu in the nation’s first draft law against animal abuse.

Anyone caught eating them would face a fine of as much as 5,000 yuan (£450) and up to 15 days in jail if the law is passed.

The draft is expected to be sent to the parliament, the National People’s Congress, in April, state media said.

Dog is an age-old delicacy. Its meat is believed to have warming properties making it particularly favoured as a winter dish. Consumption of dog meat – known euphemistically as “fragrant meat” – is most widespread in northeastern China where temperatures plunge in the winter months. But restaurants with signs out offering “fragrant meat’ can be seen in almost every city in China.

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