WUHAN — Central China's Hubei province has enforced a complete ban on eating wild animals and wildlife products to safeguard people's lives and health.

The provincial legislature on March 5 passed a decision on the ban which took effect immediately.

All terrestrial wild animals, including captive bred ones, and rare and endangered aquatic wildlife under key protection have been included in the ban, as well as others prohibited by laws and regulations.

No organizations or individuals shall be allowed to produce or process food made from such wild animals and products. In addition, hunting, breeding, trading, transporting or carrying wild animals for the purposes of eating or making food are also banned, the regulation said.

Non-edible utilization of wild animals pertaining to scientific research, medicine or display must be carried out in accordance with related laws and follow strict procedures.

Any violation will be subject to administrative punishments, while those constituting a crime will bear criminal responsibility in accordance with the law.