A group of traumatised dogs, moments away from being butchered in China's brutal dog meat markets, have been given a miraculous second chance at life in the UK. Thanks to a daring cross-continental rescue mission by disabled dog charity Broken Biscuits, 11 brave survivors have been snatched from slaughterhouse trucks and flown safely to Britain. More are expected to arrive soon.
Meet the Rescued Dogs
Lemon is now happy and thriving at Forever Frosted Senior Dog Sanctuary in Lincolnshire. She shows her affectionate nature, enjoys walks, playful bursts of energy, and socialising with other dogs.
Pickle, a senior dog with paralysis in his back legs, will undergo rehabilitation to build strength and confidence using mobility support. He will need a home with carers who can support his additional needs.
Tim, pulled from a dog meat trade truck, is under veterinary care for lung issues linked to the conditions he endured. Despite fragile health, he has a gentle spirit and is beginning to show trust.
Cassie has been diagnosed with a heart condition and is receiving treatment. Her resilience is remarkable, and with ongoing care she is expected to thrive.
Beth has severe injuries, including a damaged eye that may require surgery. Rescuers say she is extremely brave.
Vanessa, confined in a breeding facility before being sold for meat, is deeply traumatised. Carers are building her confidence step by step.
Calum is gradually adjusting to human contact and beginning emotional recovery, showing his wonderful personality.
Summer, a labrador saved from the meat trade in northern China, has never lost her spirit despite devastating injuries that left her unable to walk. She now experiences freedom and love.
Hayley, a four-year-old pooch discarded by the breeding industry, will undergo surgery for a painful knee condition. Rescuers say she has a loving nature and a bright future.
Sparkle, a blind, three-legged Chihuahua-terrier cross, is full of spirit and beginning rehabilitation. She will soon look for a forever home.
Dash lives with lasting trauma and mobility issues, facing life in a wheelchair. Carers work patiently to help him overcome fear of humans and dogs.
The Rescue Mission
Millions of dogs are still slaughtered for human consumption in China each year. Animal lovers, including Irishwoman Hayley Hayes who runs Slaughterhouse Survivors Animal Rescue in Harbin, work tirelessly to save them. Those that survive often have horrific injuries and no specialist treatment available.
To support the shelter, disabled dog charity Broken Biscuits set up a WhatsApp group, but soon realised more was needed. Co-founder Tim Giles flew to China with vets Vanessa Waite and Calum Marshall. The first group of dogs were chosen in advance as those that would benefit most. Tim said: "We carefully analysed their mobility, conditions, and histories so we could plan what equipment to take and what procedures would be needed once we arrived." The rest were picked while they were out there. Tim added: "We met them, assessed them in person, and worked alongside the team to decide who we could help next."
Tim calls the process "a full-scale operation" that took months of planning and coordination. Dogs needed veterinary care, vaccinations, antibody tests, and official passports before travel. They then completed quarantine in the UK. Tim said: "This isn't just about physical recovery. Many of these dogs are deeply traumatised."
