Info on this subject is very difficult to aquire due to the fact that the slaughtering process and raising conditions of the animals are rarely considered in China and much of this information is in Chinese. I am working with Animals Asia Foundation and PETA to *hopefully* get more information. Unfortunately, animal mistreatment is common practice in China because there are NO animal abuse protection laws. If you have any additional information on mistreatment of ANY of the animals used in Chinese medicine PLEASE contact me. Thank you so much.