Meet the doomed canines saved from Chinese meat markets for a second likelihood within the UK
Happy, safe and thriving, these lucky pups have been given a miraculous second chance at life in the UK after staring death in the face. The traumatised hounds were previously doomed to a horrific fate, moments away from being butchered in China’s brutal dog meat markets.
But thanks to a daring, cross-continental rescue mission by disabled dog charity Broken Biscuits, 11 brave survivors have been snatched from the slaughterhouse trucks and flown safely to Britain.
With more expected to arrive soon, here the Star introduces the resilient pooches overcoming unthinkable cruelty and looks inside the incredible operation to save them.
Meet the Dogs
Senior dog Pickle has captured hearts with his remarkable resilience. He has paralysis in his back legs and will undergo careful rehabilitation to help build strength and confidence using mobility support. He will then be looking for a home with carers who can support his additional needs.
Embracing a second chance at life, gorgeous Lemon is now happy and thriving at Forever Frosted Senior Dog Sanctuary in Lincolnshire. She is already showing her affectionate nature and is enjoying walks, playful bursts of energy and socialising with other dogs.
Pulled from a dog meat trade truck, tiny Tim is already under veterinary care for lung issues linked to the conditions he endured before rescue. Despite his fragile health, he has a gentle spirit and is beginning to show signs of trust.
Beautiful Cassie faces a long-term health battle having been diagnosed with a heart condition. She is receiving treatment and experiencing kindness and comfort for the first time. Her resilience is remarkable, and with ongoing care the pup is expected to thrive.
Saved from a dog meat trade truck en route to a slaughterhouse, Beth’s injuries are among the most severe of the rescued dogs. She is expected to undergo surgery to remove a damaged eye, but rescuers remain hopeful and say she is extremely brave.
Having spent her life confined in a breeding facility before being sold for meat, sweet pooch Vanessa has been left deeply traumatised. Carers are focusing on building her confidence step by step, and believe she will eventually be ready to find a calm and gentle new home.
Nervous and unsure, handsome Calum is gradually adjusting to human contact and a world beyond cages. He is beginning the long process of emotional recovery but is already beginning to show his wonderful personality.
Despite devastating injuries which have left her unable to walk, sweet labrador Summer has never lost her spirit. The pooch, who was saved from the meat trade in northern China, is now finally experiencing freedom and love.
Discarded by the breeding industry and sold into the meat trade, four-year-old pooch Hayley is expected to undergo surgery for a painful knee condition. Rescuers say she has a loving nature and her future is bright.
Despite her disabilities, blind, three-legged pooch Sparkle is full of spirit. After years of suffering, she is now beginning her rehabilitation and learning what it means to feel safe. The Chihuahua-terrier cross will soon be looking for a forever home.
Adorable Dash is living with lasting trauma and mobility issues. He faces life in a wheelchair, and carers are working patiently to help him overcome his deep-rooted fear of humans and dogs. Despite this, rescuers believe he has huge potential.
The Rescue Mission
Despite international outrage, millions of dogs are still slaughtered for human consumption in China each year.
Animal lovers – including Irishwoman Hayley Hayes, who runs Slaughterhouse Survivors Animal Rescue in the city of Harbin – work tirelessly to help save as many hounds as they can.
Those that do survive are often left with horrific injuries and in unimaginable pain. But sadly, there is no specialist treatment available to them.
To support the shelter, disabled dog charity Broken Biscuits recently set up a WhatsApp group. But it soon became obvious that more than talk was needed.
So, the organisation’s co-founder Tim Giles jetted off to China with vets Vanessa Waite and Calum Marshall. The first group of dogs they brought back to the UK had been chosen in advance as the once that would benefit most.
Tim said: “We carefully analysed their mobility, conditions, and histories so we could plan what equipment to take and what procedures would be needed once we arrived.”
The rest were picked while they were out there. He added: “We met them, assessed them in person, and worked alongside the team to decide who we could help next.”
Tim calls the process “a full-scale operation” which took months of planning and coordination. Dogs needed to undergo veterinary care, receive vaccinations and have a test to check their antibody levels, before receiving an official passport.
They then had to wait to travel and complete quarantine time in the UK before beginning the next chapter of their lives. Tim said: “This isn’t just about physical recovery. Many of these dogs are deeply traumatised.”
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