We regret to inform you, that despite the local and international outcry and opposition to the Summer Solstice Lychee Dog and Cat Meat Festival, including our action alert and others created by many groups and individuals that generated thousands of emails to officials in positions of power, the horrific and inhumane ‘celebration’ took place this past weekend in Yulin, in Guangxi province, China. It’s estimated that nearly 10,000 dogs and cats were viciously beaten and butchered for the hot pot.

Supporters of the festival and of eating dogs and cats in general, defend their actions with a claim that it is part of their cultural heritage, but in fact, the festival only dates back to 1990.

This year, festival attendees and vendors were met with very visible and vocal protest from animal activists. City officials, who have already bowed to public pressure and distanced themselves from the festival, received a well-supported petition demanding an end to the slaughter of dogs and cats for consumption. Such demonstrations are proving to have an impact in the form of intense scrutiny, and hopefully, a cancelation of next year’s horrific event.

Along with outright protest and petitioning, activists have undertaken direct rescues of animals from slaughter or purchased them from vendors. One retired school teacher traveled 1,500 miles and spent a considerable amount of money to save the lives of and take home 100 dogs she purchased at the festival.

As the popularity of having dogs and cats as pets increases, and China is more susceptible to global influences and pressure, the desire for dog and cat meat is declining. Dog meat restaurants, once popular in the region, are either changing their menus or even closing down.

Read more about it here and here.