10 dogs saved from meat trade arrive in Canada

Jul 5 2016, 11:52 pm

The Canada Day long weekend took on extra significance for a group of very special dogs spared from a horrific death overseas.

Ten dogs rescued from the illegal dog meat trade in Thailand just touched down at the Vancouver International Airport, as part of a local effort to re-home the dogs in Canada.

It’s estimated that 30 million canines are slaughtered for their skin and meat in Asia each year. Those that don’t die during transport are routinely beaten, electrocuted or skinned alive, according to Soi Dog, a Thailand-based group trying to curb the illegal and shocking practice.

The non-profit group rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes thousands of dogs, many of which were family pets that were kidnapped.

Dallas, courtesy L.E.A.S.H.

Dallas, courtesy L.E.A.S.H.

Cassi MacDonald of the Vancouver-area L.E.A.S.H. Animal Welfare Society just spent a week working at the Soi Dog compound in Phuket, Thailand, to see first-hand how their operation works.

“I had a few moments where I burst into tears,” MacDonald said of visiting the Soi Dog shelter, which at any time can house upwards of 1,500 rescued, and often traumatized, dogs.

“It was hard to see so many broken dogs, not just physically but emotionally. Dogs that just looked so hopeless. When you enter the runs some are just so starved for affection.”

The pups being loaded in Thailand (L.E.A.S.H.)

The pups being loaded in Thailand (L.E.A.S.H.)

MacDonald escorted a group of select dogs back to Canada to start their new lives – a 26-hour journey that involved the cooperation of airlines, animal rescues, and dozens of volunteers.

Now in Canada, the pups are being spread out between rescue organizations and private adopters across the country.

Cassidy and Darleen are going to the Bow Valley SPCA in Calgary, while Schmoopy, Liam, Alvah, and Piaw Piaw are being adopted privately in Pitt Meadows, Regina, Guelph, and Nova Scotia.

Calvin, courtesy Soi Dog Canada

Alvah, courtesy Soi Dog Canada

Misha, Reece, Dallas, and Sasha are being fostered in BC, and will be up for adoption after being evaluated, socialized, and rehabilitated.

  • Misha, through Home at Last Rescue in Surrey, BC, is eight-years-old, approximately 30 pounds and enjoys affection and short walks. She is good with dogs and older children.
  • Reece, at WAG in Whistler, BC, is five-years-old, approximately 45 pounds, and is good with other dogs and older children. She loves walks, tanning in the sun, and affection.
  • Dallas, at L.E.A.S.H., is a very chatty 30-pound girl that loves affection, short walks. The five-year-old is good with other calm dogs and kids. She’s missing an eye and has a healed fractured jaw as a result of her experience, which makes her tongue stick out.
  • Sasha, at L.E.A.S.H., is great on leashed adventures and is good with other calm dogs and kids. She’s currently living with a cat and is doing okay with that. This eight-year-old lady is blind in one eye, thought to be the result of head trauma.

Please contact the rescue groups if you’re interested in adopting any of the pups, and follow Soi Dog Canada on Facebook for updates on this group of very special dogs.

Here’s a first look at the pups settling into their foster homes. Looks like life in Canada will be good to these sweet souls.

Sasha relaxing, courtesy L.E.A.S.H.

Sasha relaxing, courtesy L.E.A.S.H.

Reece, courtesy WAG in Whistler.

Reece, courtesy WAG in Whistler.

Ody-Liam, courtesy Soi Dog Canada

Ody-Liam, courtesy Soi Dog Canada

Martin-Schmoopy, courtesy Soi Dog Canada

Martin-Schmoopy, courtesy Soi Dog Canada

Dallas with her tongue out, courtesy L.E.A.S.H.

Dallas with her tongue out, courtesy L.E.A.S.H.

Darcy MathesonDarcy Matheson

+ Pets & Animals
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