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Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
Twenty rescued dogs from China’s meat trade are being given a second chance at life.
Among them are 16 Golden Retrievers, two Corgis, one Poodle, and one Malamute.
These dogs are scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles this Tuesday, where they will be paired with future adoptive families.
International Collaboration for Rescue
Organizations including China Rescue Dogs, SPCA International, Seven Golden Retriever Rescues, and WeatherTech CEO David MacNeil collaborated to save these dogs.
The rescue mission is part of broader efforts to combat the international dog meat trade, which spans multiple countries.
The Yulin Dog Meat Festival
One of the most infamous events related to the dog meat trade is the Lychee and Dog Meat Festival in Yulin, Guangxi, China.
This annual festival, which begins on June 21, marks the summer solstice but is not a traditional celebration.
Launched in 2009 to boost dog meat sales, the festival lasts about 10 days. Yulin did not have a history of commercial cat or dog meat sales before this festival.
During the festival, thousands of dogs and cats are reportedly consumed, with the highest recorded number reaching 10,000 dogs.
However, recent years have seen a decline in these numbers, likely due to the efforts of activists and social media campaigns.
Despite opposition, festival supporters argue that consuming dog meat is no different from eating other meats.
Critics, however, highlight the cruelty involved, including reports of stolen pets and stray animals being used.
Public Opinion and Activism
A survey by Humane Society International (HSI) ahead of the Yulin festival found that fewer than 20% of Yulin residents oppose a ban on dog and cat meat.
Furthermore, 70% believe such a ban would not significantly impact their lives since few residents regularly consume dog meat.
Vshine, HSI’s Chinese partner, commissioned Suzhou Zhongyan Science and Technology Inc. to conduct the survey.
HSI and Vshine aim to demonstrate to the Yulin government the widespread support for ending the dog and cat meat trade.
Activists continue to work tirelessly to end the meat trade and rescue animals from death and cruelty.
Thanks to these global efforts, many dogs, like those heading to Los Angeles, have been given a new lease on life.
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