Shenzhen dog-slaughter ring shut down after local protest

Authorities in Shenzhen, Guangdong province in China have busted a dog-slaughtering ring, with 89 dogs rescued in the operation on Monday, Mar 16.

According to online reports, the illegal operation and its whereabouts was discovered by a group of dog-lovers, who undertook a 36-hour civil protest at the site until authorities responded.

According to Shanghaiist, members from the Shenzhen City Canine Society posed as purchasers of dog carcasses to gain access to the site.

Upon entering, they came across a shocking and grisly scene, with three large sheds, each containing iron cages stuffed with dogs and a number of large de-hairing machines used to pluck their fur.

Graphic photographs also emerged on social media of the inside of the slaughter-farm, showing the barbaric tools and crude machines used to process the dogs.

This incident will not help improve China's infamous reputation for animal treatment following various other stories involving dogs being kidnapped and sold for meat.

Animal rights activists in China, however, continue to call for animal protection laws, especially ahead of the annual festival of butchering dogs for meat in Yulin, Shanghaiist reported.

seanyap@sph.com.sg