中国古代耕牛保护制度及其对后世的影响

Influence on Protecting Cattle System in Ancient China of Later Ages

自西周以迄清朝,中国历代法律都严厉禁止任意宰杀牛,规定了相应的屠宰标准和审批手续。无论是牛主(牛的所有者)还是他人,私屠乱宰牛都是犯罪行为,要受到法律的制裁。这一制度的实施不是出于宗教的信仰或禁忌,也不是为了保护动物的福利(生存权),更不是为了保障食品安全,而是为了保证有足够的耕牛以满足农业生产的需要。这一制度对20世纪80年代前的中国近现代耕牛保护制度产生了深远的影响。

In ancient China, whether it was the Niuzhu （cattle owner） or others, in accordance with the statutory standards and procedures for examination and approval, arbitrarily slaughtered cattle were criminal conduct, it must be punished by law. The implementation of this system was not based on religious beliefs or taboo, was not to protect the welfare of animals （survival） , was not to protect food safety, but to protect agricultural production power. This system has exerted a tremendous influence on the modem cattle protection system during the period of 1980s in China.