Chinese Astros Snack on Dog

The Chinese space program apparently has been going to the dogs since Fido meat helps the nation's astronauts stay strong, a commander has revealed in a new book. "There's no need to keep it a secret. Actually, we ate quite normal food"—braised chicken, steamed fish and dog, notes Yang Liwei of his diet on his 2003 space trip. The same menu was used just last year on China's first spacewalk, reports the Telegraph. It was specially designed by Chinese nutritionists and the food was purchased from special suppliers in Beijing.

The revelation sparked a furious reaction from animal rights groups. "Yang Liwei is a role model for so many young people and he is one of China's greatest heroes," said Jill Robinson, founder of Animals Asia. "We hope that he might recognize dogs as the heroes they are, too. They found survivors after the Sichuan earthquake and protected people from potential terrorists during the Olympic games. Surely they deserve more." (More Yang Liwei stories.)