CHINA: 7/1/11 UPDATE! SURVIVORS OF THE DOG-EATING MEAT TRADE-STOP THAT TRUCK!!

South Korean Dog Meat Festival Cancelled Due To Protests

According to an AFP article published this week, a South Korean "dog meat festival" has been cancelled, following protests from animal rights activists. As one of the organizers told the AFP, "We couldn't possibly go on with the plan due to endless phone calls of complaint."

Click here to read the full story! Then click here to see how you can help South Korean dogs.

UPDATE JULY 1, 2011


May 19, 2011

Update on the Survivors of the Dog Meat Trade in China.

More than 300 animals are given a second lease on life

Humane Society International

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  Local animal lovers volunteered to look after the rescued dogs. CSAPA

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  A woman checks on a group of survivors. CSAPA

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  The dogs have received much-needed veterinary care. CSAPA

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  Efforts are being made to reunite these dogs with their rightful owners. CSAPA

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  Others will find new, loving adopted homes. CSAPA

by Peter Li

In April, we reported that more than 400 frightened, apparently abused dogs in China had been rescued from a slaughterhouse-bound truck that was part of the culinary sub-culture of dog eating in the country.

The animals were freed after more than 300 animal advocates, including representatives of HSI's partner organizations in China, spent 17 hours in negotiation with the truck driver. The story drew worldwide attention and prompted an outpouring of sympathy from animal lovers across China.

Survival and recovery:

Most of the dogs survived the ordeal, and today, around 360 are undergoing treatment for various ailments. HSI is helping to support the care of these animals. Eventually, efforts will be made to reunite them with their families; when that%u2019s not possible, they%u2019ll be made available for adoption. The dogs are in the care of our partner groups, China Small Animal Protection Association (CSAPA) and Beijing's Capital Animal Welfare Association (CAWA).

Chinese advocates and animal lovers also are standing strong by these lucky dogs. They%u2019re donating to help with their care and volunteering in the hospitals and facilities of CSAPA and CAWA, the latter a group started by an American who has lived in Beijing for almost 18 years.

Please give to support our efforts to help these and other dogs in China and around the world

Likely stolen from their homes:

Evidence suggests that many of the dogs could be stolen family pets. CSAPA has received 19 long-distance calls from Henan%u2019s Jiaozhuo, the origin of the truck, by people reporting their dogs missing. With so many different sizes and breeds, these dogs don't seem to be farmed animals. The fact that pure-bred animals such as Tibetan mastiffs and golden retrievers were among those rescued further strengthens the case.

The most moving evidence that the dogs were probably beloved pets before nearly meeting a cruel end is how the animals act with the volunteers%u2014like happy dogs looking for companionship and some playtime.

%u201CWhen the caring volunteers have to say goodbye, the eyes of the dogs seem to ask %u2018When are you coming back?%u2019%u201D said Professor Lu Di, director and founder of CSAPA. %u201CThese dogs are so forgiving. They embrace us humans and never hold our wrongdoings against us.%u201D

Still in the headlines:

The rescue continues to attract media attention. China%u2019s national CCTV did two long special reports on it and Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV aired an hour-long talk show with advocates involved in the interception and post-rescue care.

Hundreds of thousands of comments about the rescue can be read on a variety of Chinese web sites, with an overwhelming majority condemning cruelty to animals and questioning the culinary sub-culture of dog eating.

A lasting impact :

The rescue operation will have a long-lasting impact on China%u2019s animal protection movement:

• For the first time, the movement drew the support of a major corporation in China. Advocates hope that this will jump-start more corporate participation. 
• The operation once again highlighted the pressing issue of dog eating and its adverse impact on human health. More than half of the dogs rescued were seriously ill. Are they food or are they health hazards? The operation is forcing the Chinese authorities to rethink their passive position on dog eating and long-distance live transport.
• The rescue successfully tested the tolerance of the authorities with regard to autonomous societal activities. It can be expected that more brave actions shall be undertaken by the nation%u2019s expanding animal protection community.

Support our efforts to help these and other dogs

Dr. Peter Li is HSI's China Specialist.

Please sign this petition if you feel that China should amend this practice and protect all animals; wild or pet. 
Thanking you,
AnimalActionUSA