Horror as ‘dog eating festival’ returns in China | World | News
The controversial Yulin Lychee and Dog Meat Festival in China has commenced once again, amid widespread domestic and international opposition. Introduced in 2010, the festival has drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates, who warn that thousands of dogs and cats may be killed before it ends on June 30.
The annual 10-day festival in southern China has drawn widespread criticism for over a decade with local authorities disassociating themselves since 2014. Thousands of dogs and cats are transported long distances in poor conditions, often without food or water, and are then slaughtered for their meat. At the festival’s peak about 10,000 dogs and cats were killed and eaten.
Animal welfare groups say national and global pressure campaigns have helped reduce the number of dogs killed during the festival’s peak period of 20–22 June, with estimates now standing at around 2,000 to 3,000 dogs.
Campaigners say every year dogs and cats are stolen from loving homes or brutally snatched from the streets.
Images released by activists over the years have shown frightened animals crammed into wire cages awaiting slaughter.
Last month Humane World for Animals issued a heartbreaking video of the animals crammed into cages with no food or water.
Their post read: “Beginning June 21st, the dog and cat meat trade intensified in China’s city of Yulin.
“Truckloads of dogs and cats will be driven long distances in horrific conditions to be brutally slaughtered for their meat.
“Please urge China to end the animal welfare and public health nightmare of Yulin’s dog and cat meat trade.”
According to critics, the festival, which takes place during the summer solstice, has become emblematic of the wider trade in dog and cat meat.
In a recent breakthrough, a dog slaughterhouse in Yulin was shut down permanently thanks to collaboration between Chinese animal welfare groups and international activists. Nine dogs were rescued, including three wearing collars and thought to be stolen pets.
