Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Annual dog meat festival begins in China
The HSI team reports that the atmosphere in Yulin is tense.

Activists report tense atmosphere in Yulin

An annual festival that sees people gather to eat dog meat has begun in southern China.

Approximately 10,000 dogs and cats are expected to be killed and eaten during The Lychee and Dog Meat Festival in Yulin.

The 10-day festival sees people assemble in the city to sample dog meat hotpot, local liquor and lychee fruits.

On Sunday (20 June), animal rights activists Humane Society International (HSI) rescued 20 sick and injured dogs from a slaughterhouse on the outskirts of Yulin. 

"It was heartbreaking to see the dogs crammed into tiny cages and panting in the heat," said Adam Parascandola, HSI’s director of animal protection and crisis response.

"We gave them water, which most lapped frantically, and their tails wagged as we talked to them. I’m so relieved we were able to get these dogs out, and that soon they will know the love and comfort all animals should enjoy."

The HSI team reports that the atmosphere in Yulin is tense, but so far evidence suggests reduced killing and less visible dog meat eating then in previous years.

The Yulin authorities have set up checkpoints to stop incoming trucks filled with cats and dogs - a key proposal that HSI and its partners in China have lobbied for.

However, because many of the animals destined for slaughter have already been bought to Yulin, HSI are calling for the Government to take more decisive action, like shutting down slaughterhouses.

"We're still seeing market stalls and mopeds piled with the typical brown blowtorched bodies of dogs, but as yet nothing like the scale we feared, said Peter Li, China policy specialist for HSI.

"It's a muted Yulin for sure. The authorities seem nervous and are warning dog and cat traders not to engage with us and alerting government employees to stay away from the dog meat restaurants."

The tradition of eating dog meat dates back over 500 years in China, where many believe it wards off the summer heat.

Despite being a source of pride for many locals, the Yulin festival attracts widespread and growing criticism every year.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.