A group of dogs rescued from the being killed for China’s dog meat trade has arrived in New York City, and will soon be on their way to their forever home.
Flown via Air China, the 34 rescue dogs were given water and treats as soon as they arrived at the JFK airport on Friday, where their new owners were eagerly waiting for them.
“I’m feeling amazing — I can’t wait to get home,” shared Carly Weinstein, ““It’s an amazing Christmas gift.”
The 20-year-old from New Jersey said that she had waited for about six months to finally meet the miniature poodle named Lola.
Another new dog owner, 11-year-old Auxence Goullier, is delighted to finally get to go home with the family’s new poodle named Cherry.
“I’m going to love her with all my heart,” she said.
“It is a great feeling, holding him, knowing what could have happened if he wasn’t rescued,” said Laura O’Keefe, who happily united with another happy mutt named Chevy.
Another set of rescues is due to arrive on Saturday, thanks to the efforts of No Dogs Left Behind – a pet-rescue organization that operates a shelter in Beijing
“Thirty-four survivors have landed from the brutality of China’s illegal dog trafficking!” said Jeff Bari, who leads the organization.
“No Dogs Left Behind fights the fight on the front lines,” he added.
“Global animal welfare laws are in order, and until that happens, we will continue to fight. We will sanction and we will boycott until change happens.”
The canine rescue organization aims to transport as many as 135 dogs from China to US by early 2021.
“All of the adopters have been waiting since last January for their dogs to come home to freedom, safety and love,” said volunteer Maura Platz.
The group had saved thousands of dogs from cruel, torturous deaths since 2017, by targeting slaughterhouses, wet markets, traffickers and illegal breeders across China.