Off leash: China’s pet industry shines in ailing economy

Patterned poop bags, frilly dog dresses and exotic animals including wombats and meerkats were on display at a bustling pet expo in Beijing, where the industry continues to thrive despite a sluggish economy. China is battling slowing growth as a real-estate crisis, persistently low consumption and high youth unemployment plague the world’s second-biggest economy. Yet the pet industry is one sector that has defied the downturn. This week, throngs of pet lovers packed into large exhibition halls in Beijing’s suburbs, eager to shop for new furry companions and accessories ranging from pearl necklaces for cats to raincoats for dogs. ADVERTISEMENT…