The Dog Meat Trade
The horror of the Yulin Festival will soon be upon us & while we don’t work in parts of Asia that consume meat, we remain steadfast in supporting our friends who bravely combat the dog and cat meat trade.
Thousands of dogs & cats will be brutally tortured & killed in a few days time, we can't turn a blind eye to that.
We stand in solidarity with those who strive to make a difference in ending such cruelty & hope that we can play a small role in raising awareness.
The Yulin & Lychee Festival takes place in Yulin, a city in the Guangxi province of China.
It coincides with the summer solstice beginning 21st June & will run for many days where cats & dogs will be tortured, consumed & eaten by festival goers.
The perception that Yulin represents an ancient tradition is a common misconception. In reality, the Yulin & Lychee festival is a contemporary creation, orchestrated by restaurateurs and dog meat vendors.
Contrary to the belief that it has deep historical roots, the festival is relatively new, having been established as a commercial venture rather than a cultural heritage.
This modern invention highlights how recent influences can shape perceptions and traditions, often blurring the lines between authentic cultural practices and newly formed events driven by economic interests.
The Yulin festival is often highlighted in discussions about animal consumption, but it's important to acknowledge that Yulin is not the only location where dogs and cats are consumed.
In many regions around the world, these animals are eaten in environments that are frequently unregulated.
Credit We Animals Media / Napat Wesshasartar
Dogs and cats bound for the meat trade endure immense suffering travelling to Yulin & other areas. They are crammed into cages and packed onto trucks, where they are driven long distances without food or water.
Unfortunately, many do not survive the journey due to these harsh conditions.
Credit We Animals Media / Napat Wesshasartar
The scene depicted in the video underscores the intense emotional suffering that dogs for the meat trade endure.
It presents a distressing image of a cooked dog placed atop a crate of live dogs, who are acutely aware of the fate that awaits them.
As highly intelligent beings, dogs comprehend the dire circumstances, amplifying their distress.
Credit We Animals Media / Napat Wesshasartar
There is no effort to separate live animals from those being slaughtered and little concern or understanding of their capacity to experience distress.
In certain cases, it's believed that inducing fear in dogs before slaughter results in better-tasting meat or imparts special properties believed to ward off disease or enhance male virility.
Credit We Animals Media / Jo- Anne McArthur
It's a heart breaking reality that many people are unaware of the origins of dogs involved in the meat trade.
Contrary to the common belief that these dogs are specifically raised for consumption, the truth is often more distressing, if that is possible.
Many of these dogs are beloved family pets that have been stolen from their homes and gardens or are strays taken from the streets. The pain and loss experienced by families who have their pets stolen for this horrific purpose is unimaginable.
A friend of my son's, who is Indonesian, experienced this tragedy first hand when her dog was taken by meat traders several years ago. It's difficult to think of anything more devastating.
Credit We Animals Media / Aaron Gekoski
Since COVID-19 and its alleged origins in a live wet food market, there has been a global concern about such places and their potential connection to emerging epidemics.
Cats and dogs in these markets could serve as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases.
The hygiene in these unregulated places is dire, as evidenced by this woman washing the carcasses of dogs in the streets.
Credit We Animals Media / Napat Wesshasartar
While it's a common misconception that the dog meat trade is widely accepted in China, the reality is quite different.
The majority of Chinese people have never consumed dog meat, and attendance at dog meat festivals is not prevalent among the general population.
In fact, a significant number of Chinese citizens are in favour of shutting down the dog meat trade altogether. This reflects a growing awareness and concern for animal welfare within the country.
Credit We Animals Media Jo-Anne McArthur
What can we do to help?
To support people fighting the dog meat trade, we can take several meaningful actions. Firstly, raising awareness about the issue is crucial. Sharing information on social media platforms and collaborating with animal rights organizations can help educate others about the cruelty involved in the dog meat trade.
Secondly, supporting legislation that bans or regulates the trade is essential. This can be done by signing petitions, contacting local representatives, and participating in advocacy campaigns aimed at influencing policy changes.
Thirdly, providing financial support to organizations and activists on the ground can make a significant impact. Donations can help fund rescue operations, care for rescued animals, and support legal battles against the trade.
Additionally, volunteering time and skills to organizations fighting the trade can be incredibly valuable. Whether it's through administrative support, fundraising, or hands-on help with rescued animals, every contribution matters.
Lastly, making conscious consumer choices by avoiding products from companies that support or are involved in the dog meat trade can also send a strong message. Encouraging others to do the same can amplify the impact.
By taking these steps, we can collectively contribute to the efforts of those fighting to end the dog meat trade and ensure a better future for animals.
Are we any better?
The issue of how animals are treated in the meat trade is a complex and often controversial topic.
While regulations may ensure that animals are not tortured and that the supply chain is monitored, this does not address the underlying ethical considerations.
The debate often centres around the distinction between animals typically seen as companions, such as dogs, and those traditionally raised for consumption. However, it's crucial to recognize that all animals, regardless of their role in human society, are sentient beings capable of experiencing emotions.
The existence of cognitive dissonance—holding conflicting beliefs about animal welfare and consumption—raises important ethical questions.
Is it justifiable to differentiate between species in terms of their treatment and worth? This question invites a deeper reflection on the values and principles that guide our choices regarding animals and their roles in our lives.
I would love to know what you think