UK vets to help dog meat trade survivors in China

Vets from a Surrey practice are set to fly to China to help injured survivors of the dog meat trade walk again.

Together with volunteers from UK charity Broken Biscuits, specialist orthopaedic veterinarians Vanessa Waite and Calum Marshall, from the Vet Station in Molesey, will travel to Harbin in north-east China on 15 March.

During the visit they will support a rescue shelter caring for dogs saved from the meat trade and help some of the most severely injured animals regain mobility.

Tim Giles of Broken Biscuits said: "This mission is about giving those dogs a real future - and also sharing our vets' knowledge so many more dogs can be helped long after we leave."

The team will work with Harbin SHS Animal Rescue, run by Irish rescuer Hayley, who works to save dogs destined for slaughter and gives them sanctuary and medical care.

Many of the animals arriving at the shelter suffer from untreated fractures, joint damage or spinal injuries after years of neglect, trauma and harsh living conditions, leaving some also unable to walk.

Some of the rescued dogs are expected to travel to Europe as part of the international collaboration.

The most seriously injured will come to the UK under the care of Broken Biscuits to undergo rehabilitation and rehoming.

Dr Waite from The Vet Station said: "These dogs are living with injuries that would normally be treatable if they had access to specialist care.

"By working alongside the shelter team and sharing orthopaedic techniques, we hope to transform outcomes for many animals."

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