A LARGE crowd and their dogs gathered in the Frome Showground last month for a candlelight vigil to raise awareness about the cat and dog meat industry in Asia, in particular the Yulin Festival, which takes place in China every year.
Organised by local woman Eloise Nice, the aim of the vigil was to also fundraise for The Humane Society International, a charity which aims to end the dog meat industry.
Eloise said, “I was pretty nervous after I announced the vigil as I had no idea if anyone would turn up, but I was delighted that 28 people and 16 dogs joined me. Some had come from Midsomer Norton and even as far as Minchinhampton.
“This event was designed to highlight the horrific torture that goes on in the cat and dog meat industry and in particular “festivals” such as Yulin in China and Boknal in South Korea. The date was chosen specifically because in China this was the start of the summer solstice and the start of the “Yulin Festival”.
“During my fundraising and awareness campaign I have come across the common misconception that I am debating whether it’s right to eat these animals. I am not, that is not the issue at hand. I am campaigning against it because the people believe that torturing them first (skinning, boiling and chopping off limbs whilst they are alive) makes them taste better, keeps them cool in the summer heat and makes the men more virile. The immense fear, suffering and pain these poor creatures go through would make even the hardest person shudder if they saw it. There were rumours the government had banned it this year which stopped people talking about it, but sadly these rumours were false.
“The vigil was an event to bring animal lovers together, to stand as one in our open contempt of this cruelty and to celebrate community, kindness and the joy that animals bring to our lives. We kept it upbeat; after lighting a candle and exchanging some thoughts we took a short walk together around the field. It was one of the hottest days of the year but the dogs played together and squabbled happily, making us all laugh and smile despite the somber subject. For me the photos really capture the epitome of what these animals do. They bring joy to our lives and they bring us together.
“I cannot thank those that came enough. It was a hot day and we all have busy lives, but turning a blind eye is not going to stop this from happening. It is only by keeping this issue in the global spotlight that change will be brought about. #StopYulin
“If anyone wants to donate please visit my fundraising page www.justgiving.com/fund raising/Eloise-Nice1 ”
