NoToDogMeat rescued the animals from the notorious Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China. They are now living in a sanctuary while seeking new homes
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Dogs rescued from the notorious Yulin Dog Meat Festival were snapped enjoying a pool party in the searing Beijing heat.
The animals were rescued from a certain brutal death at the hands of butchers by workers with the London-based charity NoToDogMeat.
Every year, up to 10,000 dogs and 5,000 cats are thought to be killed and eaten during the 10-day event, which has been running for around 10 years.
These lucky dogs, who are currently living at NoToDogMeat’s shelter in the city, were bought paddling pools by staff, so they could splash, play and cool off amid rising temperatures.
Staff also added colourful plastic balls to the watery pools, so that the animals could enjoy maximum fun as they brought down their body temperature.
No To Dog Meat's European rehoming program is reopening following lifted pandemic restrictions. Photo © NoToDogMeat
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NoToDogMeat rescue
NoToDogMeat currently has 750 rescue dogs at shelters in Hebei and Beijing – including 60 rescued from the festival last month – all of whom are looking for loving homes abroad.
In a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Anna Gan, who runs NoToDogMeat’s shelter in Beijing, said: “It is so hot here at the moment as we are having a heatwave, and it has been 32 degrees, so we know that we need to do something special for the dogs.
“It was so nice to see them having fun as they cooled off, they haven’t had a lot of fun in their lives, but these moments show that despite all they have been through their playful puppy side is still there.”
According to the charity, because of size restrictions it is difficult to find homes in China for meat trade rescues, so following pandemic restrictions being lifted the charity has reopened its European rehoming programme.
Many of the dogs pictured are still looking for their forever homes. Photo © NoToDogMeat
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‘All dogs deserve a happy home’
London lawyer Julia de Cadenet, who founded NoToDogMeat in 2009, added: “These dogs have gone through so much, but what this pool party shows is that they will all make loving and happy pets given a chance.
“All dogs deserve a happy home, and we are so happy to have reopened our rehoming programme, so that more dogs like Debbie and Delphi can get their chance at a happy new life abroad.
“Please do get in touch if you would like to adopt a dog, and the charity always needs donations to help us care for the dogs.”
You can find out more about NoToDogMeat, its rehoming programme, or how to donate here
Not everyone in China supports the festival. Find out how China confirmed ‘dogs are companions, not for eating’ ahead of Yulin
Featured photos © NoToDogMeat, edited by VFL
