The air was thick with the overpowering smell of fear. On the filthy slaughterhouse floor were buckets filled with lifeless skulls. The brave rescuers steeled themselves for the job they’d come to do: to rescue as many dogs as possible from certain death.

And that death promised to be vicious, slow, and painful, for it is believed that the more these dogs suffer, the better they will taste, and the better the health benefits they will bestow on consumers who eat their meat.

Their suffering would be endless and would come in many forms — beatings, hangings, electrocution, being boiled alive, having their limbs cut off while still conscious, and any other cruel method that can be thought of.

But the rescuers were not going to allow these dogs to perish. Today, they were going to free them and take them to a safe place, where they would be given ample food and water, veterinary care and a safe place to rest. Then they would be flown to the U.S. where they could begin new lives filled with love and kindness.

We are overjoyed to report that those brave and determined rescue workers did precisely what they risked themselves to do — the five dogs, our very own Slaughterhouse 5, will no longer be tortured. They will no longer have to see their brethren killed before their eyes. And they will no longer cower in fear, waiting for their death.

Today, on Wednesday June 29th, Billy, Valencia, Barbara, Kurt and Paul took their first steps of freedom on U.S. soil at the Atlanta International Airport. Despite all they have been through they greeted us with joy, almost as if they know what fate awaited them. They are currently in transit to our Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, Mississippi, where they will have a second chance at life.

We are in desperate need of experienced dog guardians who can provide loving, understanding forever homes for these precious survivors, the Slaughterhouse 5. These dogs will need patient, experienced guardians who can help them overcome their traumatic past and enjoy full, rich lives.

Can you offer them a home? If so, please reach out to us. These dogs deserve to live the rest of their lives in happiness, and we need the help of our supporters to get the word out to ensure they go to the right homes.

While rescuers were able to save five dogs, they were unable to save one who’d already lost his life, butchered and eaten before they could save him. This is a life we here at In Defense of Animals will mourn forever.

We thank you for making the Slaughterhouse 5 rescue a reality. Our mission would never have been possible without your relentless passion, unending support, and lifesaving donations.

The Doomsday Clock is now ticking down to Boknal dog feast days. Hundreds of thousands of dogs will be brutalized, killed and eaten. Please ensure we can be there for them, the dogs who need us – by making a generous donation now.