On a request to close wet markets 

The petitioner is concerned in light of the health crisis caused by COVID-19, which might have found its origin, according to numerous researchers, on a ‘wet market’ in Wuhan (China). The petitioner describes wet markets as open-air slaughterhouses, trading in animals under disgusting circumstances. She refers to GAIA´s new campaign calling for closure of ‘wet markets’ around the world. In addition, she calls for the Parliament to act on global trade in wild-caught animals and she asks for curtailment of distant animal transport. The petitioner calls the European Parliament to close wet markets, with the aim to protect public health and promote animal welfare.