©Sinopix
Cats Bred for meat - 25 in each cage
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Dogs await their fate |
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Dead & dying cats
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A potential friend....not food
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Dr. Eddie with AAF's HKG Dr. Dog Director Winnie Luk |
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Simba with his handler Mr.Han |
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Background Whilst some countries in Asia such as Hong Kong, the Philippines and Taiwan have banned the practice of dog eating, evidence shows that, throughout many other countries in the region, the practice is on the increase. Dogs in Asia are slaughtered by the million. Many deliberately slowly and cruelly in the belief that "torture equals taste", whilst all suffer the stress and pain of being farmed in concentrated numbers before being killed in a variety of ways which rarely ensures a quick and humane death. Animals Asia has examined arguments ranging from those referring to culture, to those which state that, as long as the animal does not suffer, then eating dog meat is no different to eating the meat of other domestically raised animals such as pork, chicken and beef. The fundamental fact is that dogs DO suffer during the farming and slaughtering process. The large concentration of dogs raised together en masse before being squashed in cages and transported to markets causes high casualties and injuries as they fight through fear, hunger and desperation to survive. Diseases such as parvo virus, canine distemper and leptospirosis are rife and spread like wildfire in dogs whose immune system is already low due to depression and starvation. Our visits to markets across the region show not only a growing number of dogs for sale in pitiful conditions; muzzled with wire and hog-tied before slaughter, but also a large number of dead and diseased dogs and cats which have been pulled out of the cages and slung by the side. Investigations also reveal that the fur from slaughtered dogs is now entering local and international markets and being used as "trim" for fashion items, or for trinkets such as keyrings and hair accessories. Time and time again, dogs across the world have proved their unique qualities and how valuable they can be in partnership with people. We believe that they should not be part of the food chain and will support those who share this belief such as the Hong Kong Government Agriculture and Fisheries Department who stated during an interview that, in their opinion, dogs can not be farmed and killed humanely for food. What Animals Asia is Doing In Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, the Philippines and Japan, we coordinate "Dr. Dog", which sees literally hundreds of happy, enthusiastic dogs visiting patients in hospitals, disabled centers and homes for the young and elderly, and showing how much pleasure people receive from a four legged friend who gives the gift of unconditional love.
In South Korea, our program called "Detective Dog" proudly features "Simba", a beautiful yellow labrador, working with the Korea Customs Service at Incheon International Airport, and detecting illegal animal parts used in traditional Oriental medicine. This program not only helps the Korean authorities in cracking down on a cruel and illegal trade, but shows literally millions of local people who use the airport each year, the unique benefits of being in the company of dogs. Animals Asia is expanding our Dr. Dog program to Japan and India, and is expanding our "Detective Dog" program into major airports in China. We are working with the Harvard University animal legal defense students in the USA towards drafting long overdue animal welfare legislation in Asia and have also held more meetings with the authorities in China in an effort to encourage consideration of urgent regulations to protect cats, dogs and all animal species from cruelty.
Please write a letter to President Jiang Zemin of China c/o Animals Asia office requesting that he help end animal suffering in China by introducing anti-cruelty legislation. Click here to see an example letter. As ever, funding is desperately needed to continue our work. If you would like to support our Friends....or Food program, please click here to find out more information on how to make a donation offline, or click here to make an online donation, or contact us by email at: info@animalsasia.org |
