62 Dogs Rescued from Slaughterhouse in China on Way to Dog Eating Festival
Dogs saved from Chinese dog meat trade days before Yulin 'Lychee and Dog Meat Festival'
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Over 60 dogs have been rescued from a slaughterhouse before they were butchered for dog meat in China's Yulin days before the city is due to host its annual canine-eating festival.
Some of the 62 dogs that were saved were still wearing their collars and were terrified, exhausted, and malnourished when they were found by Chinese animal activists on June 12 in a filthy backstreet abattoir, according to the Humane Society International (HSI).
The pups were immediately taken to a temporary shelter to be given emergency care, food, and water.
The activists are in the process of arranging the animals to be sent to rescue centers around the country.
The Yulin “Lychee and Dog Meat Festival” is considered just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the dog-eating industry in China.
An estimated 10 million dogs are killed in China every year for the dog meat trade, with many of them being missing or stolen pets.
Many of these dogs are traumatized by the terror of seeing and hearing other dogs being tortured or boiled alive before being slaughtered themselves.
Now, the world is waking up to this horror.
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According to the Epoch Times, rescuers have released footage of their daring rescue, highlighting the atrocious conditions the animals were subject to.
One activist told People of the horrors that confronted the group as they proceeded to rescue the dogs: “It was swelteringly hot inside the slaughterhouse when we got there, the dogs were exhausted and panting, some pressing themselves tight against the wall in an effort not to be noticed.
"Others chased around our legs eager for attention.
"We noticed straight away that some of them were wearing pet collars so they were probably stolen, and some of them looked very sick so we quickly loaded them on the truck to get them to our temporary shelter quickly to receive emergency veterinary treatment.”
“The slaughterman told us that these dogs were likely one of the last truckloads of dogs entering Yulin before the festival because the local government was likely to stop further trucks from entering the city, but we didn’t stick around to verify that.”
LAST CHANCE: The horrors of China’s annual Yulin dog & cat meat “festival” start next week. Stolen pets & street animals will suffer agonizing journeys before being bludgeoned for their meat. Please, SIGN to urge China to end this cruelty: https://t.co/Kl9CyTT0W9 pic.twitter.com/h0iWSRLaIG
— Humane Society Int'l (@HSIGlobal) June 14, 2019
It may be difficult for readers to comprehend this horror, but awareness is the first step to stop this practice.
“We want the world to see the horrors of China’s dog meat trade of which Yulin is typical, and for dog lovers everywhere to stand up against this terrible cruelty,” the group said.
Dog meat horror as 62 pooches saved from slaughterhouse before China’s sick Yulin festival @HSIGlobalhttps://t.co/AKLrmfwcGa pic.twitter.com/S32nSWIoj6
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) June 17, 2019
HSI’s China policy specialist, Dr. Peter Li, added: “Yulin is a very tense place right now, with dog traders and slaughterhouses on high alert, so it was difficult for these Chinese activists to win the trust of this facility to release the dogs.
"We commend their efforts to show the world the suffering of these poor animals, and to expose the dog theft that lies behind the dog meat trade.”
BREAKING: 62 dogs destined for slaughter at the Yulin dog meat “festival” were saved by Chinese activists & we’re ready to help. Please, make an URGENT donation to help us provide the long-term care needed for these dogs & protect all animals worldwide: https://t.co/przc9H3KID pic.twitter.com/1akTS1dx7r
— Humane Society Int'l (@HSIGlobal) June 17, 2019
“These dogs are traumatized and in need of veterinary treatment, but they are the lucky ones because for them at least the horror of Yulin is over.
“Sadly, thousands more will still die at Yulin, and millions across China, unless decisive action is taken.
"So we urge the Chinese government to show that it will not tolerate the dog thief gangs who perpetuate this trade, and bring an end to the brutal dog and cat meat trade.”
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The Yulin Dog Meat Festival started in 2010 by dog meat traders who wanted to increase dog meat sales.
However, Yulin had no history of dog meat slaughter and trading prior to this festival, according to HSI.
Through international campaign efforts, both Animals Asia and Humane Society International have brought this atrocious practice to the attention of the international community.
The accompanying media coverage attention has likewise brought public outrage to this practice, according to Animals Australia.
Under pressure, China’s Yulin government withdrew its official support in 2015. However, the festival still continues—unofficially.
With the support of many well-known celebrities, petitions are now reaching the millions.
International pressure on China may be the only way to save the dogs and cats in China from slaughter.
