62 dogs waiting to be killed have been rescued from a slaughterhouse in China a few days before the Yulin festival started.
According to sources, the canines, some wearing collars, were exhausted, malnourished and terrified when they were found by Chinese animal activists on June 12.
The dogs were immediately taken to a temporary shelter so they could receive emergency care, water, and food. The activists are in the process of arranging the pooches to be sent to rescue centers around China.
Every year, thousands of dogs are slaughtered, skinned and cooked before being eaten by the locals.
heartbreaking video released by animal cruelty charity Human Society International reveals dozens of helpless dogs being kept in a small, bare room. Many of the canines were squeezed into small and rusty cages.
One of the activists, Wei, said to HSI: “It was swelteringly hot inside the slaughterhouse when we got there, the dogs were exhausted and panting, some pressing themselves tight against the wall in an effort not to be noticed.
“Others chased around our legs eager for attention.”
The dogs were one of the last truckloads of canines entering the area before the start of the festival, Wei added.
“We want the world to see the horrors of China’s dog meat trade of which Yulin is typical, and for dog lovers everywhere to stand up against this terrible cruelty.
“Please don’t waste your breath calling dog-eating Chinese culture. It is not our culture to steal people’s pets. It is not our culture to eat dogs,” Wei expressed.
Even though the Yulin festival shocked the entire world, most people in China do not eat dogs.
HSI’s China policy specialist, Dr. Peter Li, said Yulin is a ‘very tense place.’ “So it was difficult for these Chinese activists to win the trust of this facility to release the dogs,” he said.
He added: “We urge the Chinese government to show that it will not tolerate the dog thief gangs who perpetuate this trade, and bring an end to the brutal dog and cat meat trade.”
Last year, HSI managed to rescue 136 dogs from three slaughterhouses before the festival started.
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