China’s Illicit Slaughterhouse Busted: Over 100 Dogs Saved

A report from Humane Society International revealed that a significant number of dogs that were saved had collars on them, which suggests that these dogs may have been stolen pets.

Humane Society International reported that animal activist groups, Vshine and Baoji Small Animal Protection Association, worked together with law enforcement officers and the mayor of Fufeng County to rescue 126 dogs from an “illegal slaughterhouse” in north-central China. The rescue happened approximately 1,000 miles away from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, which was coming to a close after ten days. The rescue team found dead dogs on the floor, pools of blood, dehairing machines, knives, and processed dog meat at the facility. They also discovered a pile of pet collars in the corner of the slaughterhouse. Some of the dogs had collars, proving that pet dogs, which were likely stolen from homes, streets, and farms many miles away, are often killed for meat. Photos from the rescue showed that dogs of all breeds, including golden retrievers, German shepherds, and huskies, were huddled together in the filthy slaughterhouse, many of them emaciated and panting. Despite the grim conditions, many of the dogs were eager to receive reassurance and comfort from the activists who believe most of them were once pets. Ziyang Huang from Vshine expressed her relief at the closure of the illegal slaughterhouse, saying, “This was a horrendous slaughterhouse, and we are so grateful to the tip-off by the Xi’an activists so that we could rally together and get this place shut down before any more dogs suffered and died there.”

Ziyang Huang expressed his shock at the number of pet collars found in a dog meat slaughterhouse. The friendly nature of the dogs indicated that most of them were once part of a loving home but ended up in such a terrible place. This is why campaigns to end the cruel dog meat trade are essential. Prior to the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, animal activists and law enforcement were able to intercept a dog truck headed for slaughter and rescued all 386 dogs onboard. Peter Li, the HSI’s China policy expert, revealed that the festival was only created in 2009/2010 to boost dog meat sales in the area. It has no cultural origins in Yulin, and even locals don’t eat dog meat, as shown by opinion polls.