Oliver was packed tightly in a truck bound for slaughter in the 40 degree heat which was intercepted as part of the #808 Tangshan rescue last year – a truck exactly like the ones who traffic the desperate strays and stolen pets to be slaughtered in Yulin. Often the stand off  takes days and while activists and rescuers plead with the police to release the dogs many die from dehydration, too weak to continue. Disease is rife and in Oliver’s case although he tested negative for distemper he had a very serious chest infection and his own coughs could have broken his bones.

In the holding yard, Julia immediately bonded with Oliver, he was so gentle and sweet and despite his matted fur he weighed just a few kilos. It has taken months of care and treatment for him to regain his strength and but now he is a completely different dog to look at and ready to travel to his forever home in Europe.

Right now he is on a flight to Holland. At times like this we know we have truly saved one and not just left him in a yard ‘rescued but forgotten’ which makes our fight seem all the more worthwhile. NoToDogMeat Foundation takes each individual rescued dog seriously and we are pledge to stick with each of our dogs and cats to the end. This means we provide regular follow up with the yards who take them in and ensure they and their fellow rescued dogs receive high quality nutrition, vaccinations and love. Our long term plan to fund veterinary trucks, help improve small shelter conditions and to eradicate air-born virus relies on generous donations from people like yourself. Over the next few weeks we will show you how previous donations have been spent and offer you the chance to help care for the daily needs and offer forever homes to the lucky ones. Unpaid activists who stop trucks on the highway are real unsung heroes. We are here to empower them

After four years of actively campaigning against the dog and cat meat trade in Asia the whole world finally knows not just about Yulin but the barbaric way dogs and cats are brutalised for food and fur. Amazing Actors such as Orlando Bloom and Ricky Gervais have said ‘NoToDogMeat’ and although this year’s festival will still take place, we all hope it will be much smaller with tighter controls.  Michael Tien, Hong Kong deputy to China’s legislature met with mainland officials and emphasised the issue of food safety, adding public inhumane slaughter was unacceptable.  This will not mean the end of Yulin immediately but huge strides have been made.

In a few weeks Julia will be able update first hand on her own visit to the region but for now we can be encouraged by Oliver’s story rescued from a truck and on his way to his forever home. Just look how well he has done.

There are many ways you can still help : Please sign our petition, continue to follow us on social media and join us at events that will take place all summer.