These adorable dogs were moments away from death and due to be sold for mean in China – until animal lovers swooped to rescue them. They are now happy, safe and thriving and are safely in the UK, with more due soon.
Despite international outrage, millions of dogs are still slaughtered for human consumption in China each year. Irishwoman Hayley Hayes, who runs Slaughterhouse Survivors Animal Rescue in the city of Harbin in China, works tirelessly to save as many as she can.
And others such as the New York-based Run 2 The Rescue have also saved hundreds of canines by helping to co-ordinate a crew of on-the-ground heroes, stopping the pooches from ending up for sale in open-air flea markets and festivals.
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 last month, 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.
“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 titer 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. They all need intensive, hands-on care before they can be rehomed – and the charity will have to assess many potential adopters
Tim added: “This isn’t just about physical recovery. Many of these dogs are deeply traumatised. It’s about whether they can meet that dog’s needs every single day.”
Prospective owners will be guided through everything from safe handling and hygiene to bladder care, mobility equipment and rehabilitation exercises.
Around 30 million dogs are killed for human consumption each year, according to Humane World For Animals. An estimated 10 million dogs are killed in China alone.
Brave rescue crews in China often stop dog meat trucks and visit butchers, puppy mills and laboratories to negotiate the release of the animals and often threaten to call the police if a site doesn’t have its proper licenses.
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