A Personal Account from Julie, in her own words.

Julie Gledhill

Let me start by saying, I’m completely obsessed with dogs. I love them. If there’s a dog around, I’ll probably greet them before I even say hello to you!

I know so many of you find it incredibly difficult when you see the extent of this trade too. I’ve seen the videos and the pictures, but I understand that it’s not easy to confront the harsh reality of such cruelty. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or devastated. You might scroll by quickly or close the news app because just the thought of it feels impossible to bear. And that’s OK. It’s a natural response, one rooted in compassion. I empathise with you, and this is why I say this: for every ounce of sorrow caused by humans in this world, there’s someone out there working tirelessly to counteract the pain, someone striving to make a difference, advocating for the end of cruelty in countless ways across the world. I urge you to find it in your heart to seek out these people who give you hope and support them.

I didn’t learn about the dog meat trade until the rise of social media. Honestly, I was completely naive to the idea that anyone could ever see a dog as anything other than a companion. I’ll never forget the first video I saw—the face of a dog being subjected to unimaginable suffering at the hands of humans. It was then that I quickly learned the extent of the dog meat trade, and I found myself exposed to content that shattered my heart into a million pieces.

This is what led me to NoToDogMeat.

Every year in China, a so-called ‘festival’ is held in Yulin, where countless people gather to consume dog meat. This event is rooted in cultural beliefs that perpetuate torture and suffering, with its foundations built on cruelty.

NoToDogMeat was actively in Yulin during this time, working tirelessly to expose the trade, rescue dogs, and rehabilitate as many as possible, saving them from the hands of traders. NoToDog Meat attends Yulin every year.

Honestly, I could not endure witnessing the horrors of the dog meat trade first-hand in any country where it exists.

The scale of how many dogs and cats will lose, and have already lost, their lives is unimaginable.

The reports coming from NoToDogMeat have exposed the unspeakable cruelty endured, the trader’s hostility toward rescuers, and the immense risks involved when standing up to a minority who view their efforts as a threat. I followed them from that very moment.

The dog meat trade extends beyond Yulin. Thousands of dogs lose their lives every day. Yulin is just another day in the war against ending this trade.

I’ll never forget the footage shared by Julia, the founder of NoToDogMeat, inconsolable as she stood in front of the dogs caged and awaiting slaughter. One dog raised their paw, just like my dog Oscar does in hopes of a treat. At that moment, I honestly felt like I would have fallen in defeat.

It’s hard to be part of a world where such cruelty exists. But if you ever needed to see strength, truly defined, that was it for me. Julia’s resilience in the face of such horror is a reminder that NoToDogMeat will face adversity yet still strive to conquer.

If I’m going to support a charity that rescues dogs, I believe it’s crucial to see real action — not just an Instagram post. Maybe it’s also the courage I so deeply wish I could find myself. I want to see tangible efforts and a true commitment to making a difference.

NoToDogMeat embodies this mission wholeheartedly.

It’s easy to condemn an entire country based on the actions of a minority. I’ve been guilty of this. I became so consumed by the horrors of trade, that I failed to recognise change also comes from within.

I see allyship as one of NoToDogMeat’s biggest attributes. Working and building relationships with those who reside in dog meat trade countries, and who also want to see an end to this horrific practice, is a crucial part of the effort. NoToDogMeat is not just about rescuing animals; it’s about empowering local communities and fostering collaboration. Something I once saw as impossible when you’re up against changing generational views, something that left me once feeling hopeless.

I don’t know if I’d ever have the amount of valour needed as NoToDogMeat does, the same level of resilience and strength to keep returning to China every year, to persevere with rescuing when so many are awaiting homes. To keep going when you witness such cruelty that’s etched in your mind forever.

I need to believe that for every dog lost to this trade, others survive with a chance.

They never give up, coming up against the worst of the worst, they never give up.

Categories: China, Julia de Cadenet, Uncategorized, World Protection For Dogs And Cats In The Meat Trade

Tags: activism, China, Julia de Cadenet, World Protection For Dogs And Cats In The Meat Trade, Yulin Dog Meat Festival