By Sherry Chen
We’re all conscious that cultural practices and norms can differ extensively and that no tradition has (or ought to have) the fitting to dictate to a different, however we additionally really feel it’s applicable to name for the humane therapy of animals, and, particularly, for an finish to the dog-meat commerce worldwide. The annual Yulin canine meat pageant takes place in June and is estimated to be accountable for the torturing and killing of tens of 1000’s of helpless canines for meat consumption. However right here’s the silver lining: due to the unwavering dedication of some unimaginable volunteers, lots of of those pups are being rescued each yr. Be taught extra and discover out how one can assist.
Who’s No Canines Left Behind?
No Canines Left Behind (NDLB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group that works with Chinese language activists and volunteers to rescue canines from dying in sure elements of China and rehabilitates them for eventual adoption. NDLB is gearing up for extra transports of slaughterhouse canines from China to New York Metropolis. Most of those survivors are adopted or fostered by households within the U.S., Canada, and the UK.
Rescuing Animals from the Meat Commerce
The rescue group most lately saved almost 50 canines who had all been saved from the controversial dog-meat business in sure Chinese language cities, the place canines are held in barbaric circumstances and killed for consumption. Whereas this follow is prohibited in China, there may be at the moment no laws in place to guard canines. “There are not any animal welfare legal guidelines in China,” says Jeffrey Beri, founding father of No Canines Left Behind. “Sustainability is a significant component in the way forward for our planet; the reckless slaughtering of animals should come to an finish.”
Volunteers and native Chinese language activists on the two NDLB sanctuaries in China work to vaccinate, deal with and rehabilitate these canines, most of whom have by no means skilled human kindness. “They’re simply so badly crushed, tortured, slammed into rooster cages,” says Beri. He believes educating youngsters on why canines are our mates is the important thing to vary. He usually speaks at faculties in Yulin, China, to show younger college students that canines are our companions. “A lot of them have by no means touched a canine,” he says.
In China, alongside native volunteers and courageous activists, No Canines Left Behind intercepts vehicles sure for this pageant in addition to for slaughterhouses. The canines are by no means purchased, says Beri, as a result of “buying a canine kills 10 extra.” As a substitute, NDLB allied forces demand that truckers present correct authorized documentation for every canine, together with well being and quarantine certificates, which they can not do. As a result of the fines would exceed the price of the canine, the traffickers ultimately hand the animals over to activists.
Saving Canines in Korea
Now we’re listening to from South Korea, the place consuming canine can also be a powerful, albeit usually low-profile, follow. The Korea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA) group estimates that greater than two million canines are killed annually for meat in South Korea. Earlier than being slaughtered, they endure “horrible circumstances — crammed in unsanitary cages, fed with human waste meals.” Ultimately, many are sometimes electrocuted, hanged, burned, or crushed to dying as a result of they imagine that the animals’ struggling produces better-tasting meat and enhances virility in those that devour it.
The canine meat commerce is brisk in South Korea, the place canine meat merchants elevate and slaughter tens of tens of millions of canines. In China, folks collect road canines to kill them for meat. Many canines die from dehydration, suffocation, or heatstroke throughout transport and watch as males kill their cage mates earlier than their eyes.
With all this consideration on South Korea, it’s essential to acknowledge the state of affairs within the North, the place worldwide public opinion holds no sway, could also be much more dire. In keeping with an Agence France-Presse story in July, North Korea has been actively selling the virtues of canine meat, together with internet hosting canine meat meals contests in Pyongyang. In keeping with the story, sizzling canine meat soup is touted for its energy to stop ailments from malnutrition and bolster stamina — making it a favourite summer season specialty in North and South Korea.
Right here’s How You Can Assist
“That is about the way forward for the planet and our youngsters; that’s who No Canines Left Behind is,” says Beri. “Activists, volunteers, and allied forces are all the time main the best way. We don’t imagine in bringing armies; we imagine in rising them. That’s a sustainable resolution.” No Canines Left Behind operates based mostly on the beneficiant donations and work of volunteers. Please contemplate making a tax-deductible donation right now, take a look at the many canines out there for adoption, or inquire about fostering a canine.
Upcoming plans for No Canines Left Behind embody:
- Opening a U.S. sanctuary.
- Buying a constitution aircraft to have the ability to evacuate 500 canines.
- Serving to China cleared the path for change by enacting animal welfare legal guidelines.
However regardless that this New York native has helped lots of of canines, he can’t assist however consider those he couldn’t rescue. “The canines I can’t save are the canines that hang-out me.”
Photograph: Courtesy No Canines Left Behind
