China’s dog and cat meat trade has long been a contentious issue, drawing global attention and sparking intense debates about animal welfare and ethics. This lucrative illegal/black industry involves the capture, transport, and slaughter of millions of dogs and cats each year, causing immense suffering and posing significant public health risks. Within this dark landscape, one woman has emerged as a fierce advocate for change and a beacon of hope: Andrea Gung, the founder and Executive Director of the Duo Duo Project.
Understanding the Dog and Cat Meat Trade
To grasp the significance of Duo Duo Project’s mission, it is essential to examine the complexities and magnitude of the dog and cat meat trade in China. This trade has deep historical roots and is deeply embedded in certain regions, with Yulin City, which hosted an annual infamous dog meat festival serving as the notorious epicenter.
The trade involves various practices, including the theft of pets, illegal transportation, and inhumane and primitive slaughter methods. The consumption of dog and cat meat, although declining in recent years due to changing societal attitudes, remains a cultural practice in some areas.
How it Began
Andrea Gung’s journey into the heart of this brutal industry began during one of her business trips to China. Witnessing the cruelty and inhumanity inflicted upon innocent dogs, whom she’s always loved her whole life, left her heartbroken and disturbed. Motivated by a deep sense of compassion, she made a life-altering decision to take action against this illegal trade and founded the organization in 2013.
Her team works tirelessly to raise awareness, advocate for legislative changes, and collaborate with local activists, government officials, and journalists. Through grassroots education programs, they strive to change the perception of dogs and cats from mere food sources to beloved family members. They make sure to provide shelter support, medical treatment, and rescue operations for intercepted dog meat trucks, offering a lifeline to animals in distress.
A Catalyst for Change
Andrea Gung’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Her profound commitment to animal welfare and her relentless pursuit of justice have earned her recognition and respect both locally and globally. Under her leadership, the Duo Duo Project has gathered over 5 million petitions on Change.org, highlighting the widespread support for ending the practice. The organization’s success in gathering such a vast number of petitions demonstrates the growing momentum and the collective will to bring about change.
Ending the dog and cat meat trade in China is an uphill battle with numerous challenges. Deep-rooted cultural traditions, economic interests, and regional variations pose formidable obstacles.
However, times are changing, and the younger Chinese generation has joined the movement, fighting for the cause are slowly reshaping attitudes and paving the way for a more compassionate society. As the world increasingly recognizes the importance of animal welfare and ethics, their work stands as an inspiration and a catalyst for change.
Join their fight by adding your name to Duo Duo Project’s e-news and stay informed.