Meet 7 lucky dogs rescued from China's cruel meat trade for a new life in the UK

These are the faces of the lucky dogs that have been saved from the cruel meat trade in China. The seven hounds are set to take a 5,000-mile journey to start a new life as pets in the UK. Here they will be rehabilitated and cared for by a disabled dog charity, and eventually go on to find their forever homes. But these are the lucky ones and sadly, many more are not as fortunate. Today marks the start of the Yulin festival in China where thousands of hounds are tortured, killed and eaten to celebrate the summer solstice. Since the annual event started in 2009, animal activists have worked tirelessly to put an end to the foul feast, and save as many animals as possible. This includes Irish-born Hayley Hayes, who moved to China at the age of 21 to work as a teacher but ended up opening a rescue shelter instead. “Animal rescue was never part of the plan,” she says.

It all started when she was asked to help some dogs at a slaughterhouse. “At the time, I thought it would be a one-off rescue. Instead, it completely changed my life,” Hayley, 40, explains. One rescue led to another, and that eventually grew into her opening up Harbin SHS Animal Rescue. “Once you see the reality of an animal suffering up close, it’s very difficult to walk away,” she adds. British vet Dr Vanessa Waite, 43, recently travelled to the shelter with co-worker Calum Marshall, 31, to help provide vital veterinary treatment to the animals. She accompanied Tim Giles, co-founder of disabled dog charity Broken Biscuits, on a trip earlier this year where they were able to repair dog’s knees, restore eyesight and complete many routine procedures.

They also used the time to identify which dogs most needed their help, and flew their first pack of pooches to the UK. But the Vet Station owner was desperate to do more. “There’s so much to be done we feel compelled to go and help,” Dr Waite, from Surrey, explains. While the local vet clinic is well-equipped, the veterinary team needs assistance and training. “The vets are amazing and caring, they just need a little help with my additional expertise.” She will spend a week there assisting with orthopaedic surgery, and operating wherever possible. “We estimate to be doing between 10 to 20 operations a day.”

Dr Waite will also help to bring the seven dogs to the UK. These have been selected in advance by Broken Biscuits as the canines that would most benefit from the charity’s help. Tim, 58, from Lincolnshire, says deciding which dogs should make the journey back is incredibly hard. “Every dog in our care deserves a chance, but we have to be realistic about where we can provide the very best support and the greatest opportunity for a successful future,” he explains.

More dogs may be selected while out there, and Dr Waite already has plans for a third trip. Hayley says it means everything to watch the canines fly out of China. “Watching a dog board a plane after everything they have survived is one of the most emotional moments in rescue. Many of these dogs arrived scared, injured, abused, abandoned, or destined for slaughter. Seeing them leave for a loving family reminds us why we keep fighting through the difficult days,” she says.

Many of her rescues come through emergency calls from members of the public, but Hayley and her team also intercept dogs being transported for the meat trade. “When we receive information about a suspected dog meat truck, we work with local activists and contact the relevant government authorities,” Hayley, who lives in Harbin, Northern China, says.

The charity also rescues animals from slaughterhouses, puppy mills, pet shops, hoarding situations and the streets. Some of those sold for meat were once a family pet that has been stolen.

The condition of the dogs varies hugely. “Some arrive healthy but unwanted. Others arrive in an absolutely heartbreaking condition,” the charity founder comments. Many are emotionally damaged, have shut down and completely given up on life. Despite having seen horrific injuries, these are some of the most difficult cases for Hayley. “Dogs who have completely lost trust in humans can take months or even years to recover,” she says. Thankfully, attitudes toward the barbaric trade are changing as millions of Chinese pet owners now see their furry friends as family. They are speaking out, rescuing animals and demanding change. “Progress may be slow, but it is happening,” Hayley says.

Today, Hayley’s shelter cares for around 1,500 dogs, 200 cats, and many other animals which will hopefully be rehomed internationally, she beams: “When a dog is adopted abroad, there are generally much stronger animal welfare laws and legal protections in place. This gives us greater confidence that the dog will remain safe and protected throughout their life.”

Beth

For most of her life, Beth has known little beyond the confines of a breeding cage. The small grey Pomeranian spent years being used for commercial breeding before being discarded and sold into the meat trade. Her future looked bleak until she was finally rescued. Safe, cared for and finally free, the sweet pup is now learning about a world she was previously denied, and is beginning the slow process of recovery. For the first time in her life, she is discovering comfort, security and kindness.

Unable to walk independently, Cass requires support for every movement she makes due to hip dysplasia and severe luxating patellas in both rear legs. Her future mobility will depend on the success of specialist veterinary treatment and, even with surgery, she may still need a wheelchair. Veterinary teams are working to determine the best course of treatment, with the aim of restoring as much mobility and comfort as possible. Despite her struggles, the ginger Pomeranian has shown resilience, and will finally receive the care and attention she was denied for so long.

Vanessa

Standing, walking and even basic movement is extremely difficult for adorable Vanessa. The white Pomeranian requires multiple orthopaedic procedures to give her the best chance of regaining comfortable movement.Her road ahead will involve extensive treatment, rehabilitation and support, but there is optimism that surgery can significantly improve her quality of life. Every step forward represents a chance to leave behind a lifetime of physical hardship and move towards a brighter future.

Johnny 3 Legs

Known affectionately as ‘Grandpa Dog’, Johnny is a gentle elderly survivor whose greatest need is comfort. He is around 11 years old, has only one eye and is gradually losing the vision he has left. He also suffers from arthritis which affects all three of his remaining legs. Despite his limitations, he continues to enjoy the simple comforts of daily life. The charity’s main focus is managing pain, preserving quality of life and ensuring that he remains comfortable. They hope to offer him the chance to spend his remaining years surrounded by love.

This cheerful rescue pooch arrived with a significant physical disability, but like many disabled dogs, she has learned to navigate the world in her own way. Rather than allowing her disability to define her, she approaches life with enthusiasm and confidence. Her carers describe her as bright, positive and eager to embrace new experiences. Sparkle’s story serves as a reminder that physical limitations do not prevent animals from enjoying meaningful lives.

Calum

Like many dogs rescued from commercial breeding facilities, Calum struggles with significant mobility issues. Lack of exercise, poor nutrition and restricted movement has contributed to muscle wastage, poor skeletal development and chronic health problems. Calum’s recovery involves rebuilding strength, improving mobility and helping his body recover from years of neglect. Safe at last, he now has the opportunity to heal, regain confidence and experience the freedoms that every dog deserves.

Rosie

Rescued last year from a meat truck, little Rosie was extremely timid and terrified. Despite her horrible past, the loving little creature absolutely adores her carers and follows them around everywhere. She has hearing loss, and due to her background has never even been on a walk so she will require a very gentle introduction to family life. It will take time for her to adapt to life as a pet and not a means for profit.