First Livelihood Conversion in Yulin

In a groundbreaking move, a dog slaughterhouse in Yulin, China has closed permanently, just days before the notorious dog meat festival. This marks the city's first-ever alternative livelihood conversion.

Animal activists from Vshine Animal Protection Association and Humane World for Animals secured a binding agreement to shut down the facility, which has killed over 15,000 dogs since 2007. The owner, Mr. Huang, plans to start a breakfast catering business serving rice porridge, fried dough, and steamed buns.

During the rescue mission, nine dogs were saved, including a Labrador named An An, a beagle called Moli, and a poodle named Lian. These rescued dogs, some of which still wore collars, were clearly stolen pets.

Activists Push for Change

Julie Sanders from Humane World for Animals highlighted that the dog and cat meat trade in China is not only unpopular but also illegal, posing significant public health risks. The organisation aims to demonstrate the benefits of supporting traders to transition to new livelihoods.

Mr. Huang expressed relief at leaving the dog meat trade behind, after nearly 20 years, and hopes more businesses will follow with similar support. He stated, “I am relieved to be leaving it behind me and having a more stable living.”

Vshine has proposed legislation to improve animal protection across China, including a ban on the dog and cat meat trade. They highlight the Yulin closure as a model for future initiatives.

The rescued dogs will be quarantined, vaccinated, and sterilized before adoption. This closure sets a precedent for potential reforms in Yulin, a city historically linked to dog meat consumption.

This initiative is part of the Models for Change programme, which Humane World for Animals has been running across Asia for over a decade. In countries like South Korea, dog meat farmers have transitioned to alternative trades such as chilli and mushroom farming.