Some Asian cultures still believe in the myth that adrenaline makes dog meat taste better and provides health benefits, which is why they promote a trade based on the belief that the torture and abuse of the animal improves the quality of the food (Dog Meat Trade). The Humane Society International estimates that nearly one million dogs are brutally killed for their fur or meat each year in China. Fortunately, animal activist groups and celebrities have taken action, hoping to see a future where animals are not tortured for money.
Marc Ching, founder of the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation, discovered the China’s Yulin Dog Meat Festival in 2015, where approximately 10,000 dogs are unacceptably and miserably tortured, according to Humane Society International (HSI). These defenseless animals are victims of abuse, beatings, and extreme cruelty before their lives are taken and their meat is consumed. Marc received reports about these tortures, but thought they were exaggerated and wanted to verify the information himself, so despite not speaking Cantonese or Mandarin, he traveled to China where, after going to one of the slaughterhouses and risking his life, being able to rescue some dogs gave him more impetus to continue on a journey that would mark his life forever. Since September 2015, Marc has made various trips to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea with the same goal: to pose as a dog meat buyer, visit slaughterhouses, and document the torture, trying to rescue as many dogs as possible.
The Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation is a non-profit organization whose goal is to rescue abused animals with a deep focus on the Dog Meat Trade throughout Asia. They provide veterinary care, shelter, rehabilitation, and work to find a loving family for each animal. What differentiates AHWF from other rescue organizations is that the animals they rescue have been beaten, neglected, mutilated, used to start gangs, or stolen from slaughterhouses in the Asian Dog and Cat Meat Trade.
AHWF believes in compassion, education, and legislation to guide hearts and minds towards a better future for animals.
The shelter and education center are located in Hunan province in China, and are managed by Suki Su. Her family used to raise pigs many years ago and have converted the abandoned buildings where they used to house pigs into kennels. The dogs have parks and places to play. Once the dogs resolve their medical issues and have been fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered, they can be transported out of China, most to their main shelter in the US,located in Sherman Oaks, California, run by Ellie Roberto. After arriving at the Foundation, all dogs go through rehabilitation while the staff prepares them for adoption.
The Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles, USA) location was where the Foundation embarked on its journey: Marc Ching started with local abuse and abandonment cases and quickly traveled to different locations rescuing animals from slaughterhouses, markets, and farms. He and the Foundation are now animal rights advocates known worldwide who shine a light on the dark corners of the world while enacting change, providing second chances, and teaching compassion through animals.
In the last three years, they have saved thousands of dogs from neglect and abuse in Asia and the United States.
Regarding future plans, they have an education center in China and aim to hire a volunteer and an education coordinator to have more local programs that teach people to love and care for dogs. If this is built, they will be able to establish local adoptions for graduates of their education programs and serve as ambassadors to spread kindness, care, and appreciation for dogs as pets and family members, creating a movement to make Hunan a dog-meat-free province. They also want to start a university scholarship fund for volunteers at their China shelter who demonstrate a love for animals and leadership potential for the future of animal welfare.
How can you help?
They need help to transport each dog out of China, which costs approximately $1,000 per dog. If they are able to transfer the dogs, then they can renovate the shelter to better suit their operations and prepare for potential rescues. The renovation includes leveling the floors and repairing roof leaks so they can provide more comfort and better health for the dogs and staff. Currently, the floors are uneven, puddles form from roof leaks, which also cause constant dampness, skin problems, and coughing. The ideal would be to offer a clinical area where they can more comfortably accommodate teams of medical staff to care for the animals. In addition, they need to prepare for the next rescue with medication and supplies and encourage medical staff to travel and help. They are located in Sherman Oaks (USA) and in Hunan province, China.
You can donate through:
1) Website: www.animalhopeandwellness.org
2) Facebook: Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation.
Social Media:
Facebook: Dogs of Animal Hope and Wellness
Instagram: #dogsofahwf and #animalhopeandwellness and #animalhopeinlegislation
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