A pack of dogs rescued from a Chinese slaughterhouse are recovering at a Montreal shelter this Christmas Eve.
The 32 dogs landed in Montreal late Friday after being rescued from the Yulin meat festival in China last summer. Though they were rattled and skittish when they arrived at the Montreal SPCA that night, the dogs adapted quickly and were all sound asleep as of Saturday morning.
“They’ve been through so much, it’s good to know that they feel safe enough to let their guard down,” said Anita Kapuscinska, a spokesperson for the Jean-Talon Ave. shelter. “It’s been a long, traumatic journey for them and it will take some time to know what kind of programs they need to be socialized and, eventually, adopted out.”
More than 100 dogs destined for slaughter at the annual Yulin meat festival were intercepted last June by the Humane Society International (HSI) Canada. The festival was launched in 2010 to boost dog meat sales but has attracted criticism from animal rights groups around the world.
After receiving medical treatment in an emergency shelter in China over the summer, HSI arranged to have them flown into Canada. Kapuscinska says the SPCA’s animal behaviourist will start working with the dogs shortly to determine how best to prepare them for adoption — which could come as early as Jan. 6.
Meanwhile, Montrealers are rallying behind the canine refugees. When Danielle McLellan found out the SPCA would be housing them, she sprung into action.
Danielle MacLellan arrives at the Montreal SPCA Dec. 24, 2016, with dog food she is donating to help feed the 37 additional dogs the organization is expecting — the dogs were rescued from a dog-meat festival in China.
“I woke up this morning and thought, ‘You know what? I’m going to head over to Walmart on Christmas Eve, brave the crowds and get those dogs some food,'” said McLellan, who dropped off 25 pounds of kibble at the shelter Saturday. “Those poor things. If I could go in there tonight and rub all their bellies, I would. Of course, they told me I can’t because of safety and all that.”
McLellan also bought five harnesses for the dogs and 50 tins of cat food to help the shelter with whatever strays might find their way to the shelter over the holidays. The donations cost her about $180.
“I try to do what I can for the SPCA, they’re fighting (Montreal’s recently adopted) pit bull ban for me and my Dexter,” said McLellan, referring to her 4-year-old dog. “God bless them for taking all those extra babies last night.”
The SPCA is embroiled in a legal battle with the city of Montreal over its controversial ban, which McLellan argues is as good a reason as any to donate to the shelter. Ordinarily, she would spend Christmas with her family in Ontario but because of a similar ban in the province, she staying home with Dexter this year.
“Maybe it’s better that way, Dexter never gets drunk and fights with you,” McLellan said, laughing. “I’m afraid that if I take him to Ontario, I could have him seized.”
Back at the shelter, Kapuscinska says the influx of 32 new dogs means they’ll need whatever donations people can spare.
“We do need harnesses and dog food but also chew toys and things of that nature,” she said. “Really, whatever people can give is appreciated.”
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