Pooches rescued from Chinese dog meat festival arrive in Canada to start new lives

Over 100 dogs rescued from a dog meat trade festival in China will soon find loving homes in Canada.

The Humane Society International saved the dogs from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival back in June, but it wasn’t until now that they were able to get them home, just in time for the holidays.

“When we found these dogs they were cramped into rusty iron cages so small they could barely move and they were gasping for air. They had open wounds and sores all over their bodies.”

Adoption of rescue dogs is rare in China, so Humane Society International knew their best bet was to come to Canada.

After 5 months living in an emergency shelter the Chinese Government finally gave them the okay to leave, but just as they were about to fly out a red alert was issued for smog.

“Local activists had to drive 18 hours with almost no visibility to get to the airport. With minutes to spare we got them on board the last available flight out of China so this truly is a holiday miracle.”

Some of the dogs need a lot of love before they will be able to get adopted.

“They have witnessed dogs being beaten and slaughtered in front of them. For some of these dogs it’s going to take some intensive behavioural therapy to get them to trust humans again.”

Some just need a little pampering and some are happy and healthy and will be ready to go in just a couple weeks.

Dog Tales Rescue & Sanctuary in King City will be taking care of 63 of the dogs.

“After two weeks we expect most of them will be availible for adoption. So families that are interested in providing a forever home for these dogs can visit us any Sunday.”

According to Humane Society International, 30 million dogs are killed worldwide each year for their meat.

If you’re interested in adopting one of the dogs, get in touch with the Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary in King City, Ont., the Montreal SPCA or Ottawa’s Bytown Association for Rescued Animals.

Agencies/Canadajournal