#Charity begs Americans to adopt dogs doomed for Far East meat market

“#Charity begs Americans to adopt dogs doomed for Far East meat market”

August 25, 2020 | 4:56pm

Plucked from the jaws of death.

In recognition of National Dog Day on Wednesday a kind-hearted charity is imploring dog lovers to adopt pooches that were rescued from the Far East meat trade.

“We are urgently looking for Americans to offer a good home to these precious creatures,” said Julia de Cadenet, founder of NoToDogMeat, an organization that funds a shelter in China and rehouses dogs once destined for the chopping block. She started the rescue service in 2009 after witnessing firsthand live meat markets in that country, reported Jam Press.

Most of the rescued pups were saved by campaigners who intercepted puppy-packed trucks bound for Hebei province’s annual dog meat festival in Yulin, China — which continued this year despite the coronavirus pandemic. Others come from raids of slaughterhouses and other facilities that boil dogs and cats alive.

Now, with more than 450 dogs currently residing in their China facility, NoToDogMeat is looking to American adopters to help free up space.

Before rescuing a furry friend, however, potential owners must undergo a background check to ensure they can provide a suitable forever home. Re-paw-triating a dog to the US costs $800, which covers vaccinations, spaying or neutering, a mandatory checkup in Beijing, flight costs and other travel expenses.

A caged dog rescued from slaughter.NoToDogMeat/Jam Press

While the price may seem steep, adopting a dog can literally save their life. The organization highlights the case of a sickly Yulin rescue named Oliver, whom shelter workers thought wouldn’t survive due to a terrible cough and broken ribs. However, after being rescued by a UK owner named Richard, he is now back to full health and reportedly boasts many admirers.

“These dogs are being saved in every sense of the word,” gushed Julia. “What a wonderful life they have to look forward to when they arrive!”

In the past, anti-dog-meat activists have been accused of singling out Asian culinary customs to the exclusion of other forms of meat consumption. However, Julia said that NoToDogMeat’s initiative “is not about attacking any country’s culture — it is about standing firm against animal cruelty.”