Dogs destined for meat trade getting new life in B.C.

A Vancouver-area dog rescue has partnered with Soi Dog in Thailand to bring over animals trafficked into the dog meat trade. (Soi Dog)

A Vancouver-area group that specializes in giving disadvantaged pups a new lease on life is setting its sights overseas for its latest dog rescue mission.

L.E.A.S.H. has partnered with Soi Dog in Thailand to bring over animals trafficked into the dog meat trade.

Although eating dog meat is illegal there, it’s not in neighbouring countries, and the group says stray pups – and even many cherished family pets – are captured and transported out of Thailand in crammed crates and trucks to be slaughtered.

“Those that are still alive following transports are not humanely killed. Many are tortured before being skinned alive,” according to the Soi Dog website. “The reason for this is that people believe that the pain inflicted leads to the tenderizing of the meat. Some dogs are still alive when their fur is removed.”

At least 10,000 dogs are kidnapped and transported out of Thailand each year, and millions more are killed for human consumption in Southeast Asia annually, says Soi Dog.

But many dogs are being spared from slaughter thanks to ramped up and coordinated efforts between local animal welfare agencies and Thai authorities. Undercover agents with the Royal Thai Police and Navy have arrested dozens of smugglers and stopped many trucks packed with dogs in the past year, in part thanks to billboards urging citizens to anonymously report suspicious activity.

Those rescued dogs end up at the shelter for Soi Dog, where they are rehabilitated before being rehomed. They are currently housing more than 1,200 adoptable dogs.

L.E.A.S.H., as the group’s newest Canadian partner, has committed to bringing at least six of those pups to British Columbia. The first group arrives on a commercial flight on April 23.

Through its rehoming program, the dogs – which are all medium-sized young adults – will be placed into foster homes across Metro Vancouver where they will be loved, socialized and taught basic manners.

“After they have settled into their new routines and we have had a chance to discern which type of home will best suit their needs long-term, we will begin the adoption process,” said spokesperson Cassi MacDonald.

“Each of these dogs has been patiently waiting for their chance at a new life, and we are very excited to meet them.”

Like survivors of puppy mills and hoarders, MacDonald says some of the pups may experience anxiety and fear because of their past troubles. Some may not have lived indoors in a home before, she says, adding that this type of rescue amounts to a major environmental shift.

“We can expect that they might feel overwhelmed at first. They will be experiencing new-to-them sights, smells, people, and overall living conditions,” she said.

The group says it will consider bringing in other dogs from Thailand once the first batch are re-homed and settled. L.E.A.S.H. also works with partner rescues in rural Manitoba and California, as well as local rescues in B.C.

Interested adopters are asked to visit the rescue agency’s website and Facebook page.