The Cause
**This page contains topics that may be upsetting**
When most of us think of dogs, we think of them as pets or companions, but sadly it is estimated that over 30 million dogs are killed for human consumption through the horrific Dog Meat Trade each year across Asia. The most widely known participation of this horrific act is the Yulin Dog Meat Festival which occurs at the end of every June. Contrary to popular belief, the appalling Dog Meat Trade itself happens each day throughout most of Asia. Innocent dogs are taken from the streets, stolen from backyards, bought from their owners, or even farmed. According to Soi Dog Foundation these dogs are not humanely killed; most are crammed together on the back of trucks, often for hours without food and water, resulting in many being injured or suffocating to death. It is not uncommon for them to be burnt alive to remove their fur or thrown into large vats of boiling water for the same purpose. In some areas it is believed that the pain inflicted on dogs before death increases the flow of adrenaline, which can make the meat taste better and offer health benefits. Despite these erroneous beliefs, The World Health Organization states that the trade, slaughter, and consumption of dogs poses human health risks from trichinellosis, cholera and rabies.
The Street Dog Dash is continuing to work to raise funds and awareness for the fight against the Dog Meat Trade in Asia. Our non-profit of choice is the Soi Dog Foundation. It has been running for over twelve years and is committed to ending these barbaric practices. Progress is being made in several countries. In Thailand, Soi Dog has been successful in effectively ending the dog meat trade while in Taiwan and the Philippines, laws have been passed banning it. Continued support is needed to ensure these laws are enforced. Additionally, the trade is still very prevalent in Vietnam, Cambodia, and South Korea. Soi Dog is working alongside organizations and Asian activists daily to:
Work with government officials to enact and enforce laws against the Dog Meat Trade.
Establish educational programs to inform younger generations and the public about compassion towards animals and to change public opinion about animal abuse.
Educate the public about the health risks associated with the trade.
Rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome victims of the Dog Meat Trade.
All funds raised from Street Dog Dash will go to support the Soi Dog Foundation in their continued fight. To find out more about this organization and facts about the trade, you can visit:
Soi Dog Foundation: https://www.soidog.org/,
Details on meat trade: Ending the Dog and Cat Meat Trade | Soi Dog Foundation
*This website contains content that may be disturbing to some viewers