Rescue Operation Saves Dogs from China’s Meat Trade
A small animal rescue group located in Long Island has successfully rescued hundreds of dogs from being slaughtered for food in China, finding them loving homes in the United States.
Run 2 the Rescue, established by Sag Harbor’s Bonnie Clapper, has managed to save around 600 dogs from the dog meat trade. They work alongside dedicated individuals who stop the sale of dogs at outdoor markets and festivals.
“These dogs were destined to be someone’s meal,” Clapper said emotionally while holding her toy poodle, Junebug. This little poodle was among over a dozen dogs saved from a breeding factory that closed earlier this year, with many unsold dogs facing slaughter.
Clapper explained that “butchers often steal family pets, and people sell dogs to these butchers by the pound.” Her team has rescued many different breeds, including Pomeranians, beagles, and schnauzers, finding homes for nearly 300 of them so far.
Statistics reveal that roughly 30 million dogs are killed for meat globally each year, with about 10 million of those in China alone.
Brandi Cherbun, a fellow co-founder of the organization, noted that there is a limited number of rescue workers focused on the dog meat trade in China. She pointed out that fewer organizations are willing to take in sick or injured dogs, but Run 2 the Rescue is committed to never turning a dog away.
“We encounter many tough situations,” Clapper shared.
She added, “We take in dogs knowing they might not have much time left, and instead of letting them suffer in a shelter, we choose to ensure they die with dignity.”
Chinese rescue teams frequently intercept dog meat trucks and approach butchers, puppy mills, and laboratories, negotiating the release of dogs. They often use the threat of police involvement against places without the right permits. Once rescued, the dogs are kept at a shelter before being flown to the U.S.
Twitch, a Schnauzer that suffered a skull fracture, highlights this rescue effort. He was welcomed to the U.S. at John F. Kennedy International Airport on a recent Wednesday.
“I’m so glad we can give him a second chance,” said Yolanda Loban from Freeport, New York. She and her daughter plan to train Twitch, hoping to bring him joy after his difficult past.
Alongside Twitch was Junebug and half-blind Pearl, who found new families with Greg and Amy Carrico from Syracuse, New York. They previously rescued several special needs poodles facing the same dire situation.
Additionally, 77 beagles were saved from being sent to a butcher shop, representing another significant rescue.
One particularly striking case involved Kronk, a malamute who endured severe abuse, leaving him unable to walk properly. Thankfully, he has since improved and now lives comfortably in Ohio with one of the rescuers.
Clapper expressed the joy that comes from witnessing the transformation of these dogs. “Seeing them heal and go on to loving homes is the best part of being a rescue,” she remarked. “We consider ourselves as fortunate as the dogs because we get to be part of their journey towards a better life.”
