June 30th marked the last day of the Yulin Festival where approximately 10,000 dogs and cats are tortured and slaughtered based on the  erroneous belief that the more an animal suffers, the more health benefits and “good luck” the consumer receives.  

In Defense of Animals  participated in the Worldwide Vigil for 10,000 Candles for Yulin Dogs and Cats supported by a coalition of organizations including Last Chance for Animals, Duo Duo Project, Their Turn, and Direct Action Everywhere. 

With the help of local and international rescuers and organizational staff and volunteers who flew to China, the number of innocent lives lost was reduced this year, yet the numbers remained  high.

The Los Angeles Yulin Vigil was held at Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California with a successful turn-out of approximately 40 courageous and compassionate protesters. This event not only represented the memory of the massacred dogs and cats of Yulin, but also every living species that has suffered at the hands of man. “Yulin is everywhere…”