I know many, if not all of you, have seen or read about the latest case of cats, kittens and puppies being smuggled in from China, luckily on this occasion being caught by Marine Police and handed over to AFCD and SPCA. The cruelty involved, and the suffering of these animals is clear to see and most people are disgusted. But here's the thing, these cats and dogs have been bought online and are being smuggled in only after they have been paid for, which means it's the buyers who are supporting and condoning this trade. I have been told of someone who paid RMB 60,000 for one of the cats, and somehow thinks she'll be able to pick it up from AFCD or wherever at some point. The best thing about this whole case is that these people will lose their money, but that doesn't mean the trade in lives will end, or that there aren't other dogs and cats being successfully smuggled in every week.
The animals are now mostly being kept at AFCD, and those that survive what they have endured (I believe some of the kittens are very sick) will be held pending a court case, and regardless of any prosecution will have to go through four months of quarantine. There are already other dogs and cats from previous smuggling cases also being held, and I honestly don't know how there can be space for so many of these poor animals. The puppies will grow up knowing nothing in terms of training, just like all of the breeder dogs we take in from time to time.
I have also received enquiries about adopting these rescued animals, and as stated by SPCA, it will be a MINIMUM of four months before they will be released to the animal NGOs for re-homing. It's more likely to be a year before any case is heard and the animals put up for adoption.
If you are still wondering about buying a kitten or puppy from China, this is exactly what you are paying for. No life should be bought or sold like a piece of furniture, and anyone doing such a thing should be ashamed. The animals in this particular case were lucky in the sense that they were rescued before being thrown overboard, which is the usual course of action when the smugglers are spotted. It really doesn't bear thinking about.
Considering this smuggling case, and many others where the evidence (crates full of dead animals) has been found washed up on beaches, the "rooftop" dogs had it easy. This is the pet trade showing its true colours, and yet there are enough buyers that the breeders and smugglers will risk being caught because the profits are so huge. Please don't ask us about "reputable" breeders because there is no such thing.
Taking a deep breath and moving on, here's an updated (as much as possible) list of available puppies and their locations if in foster homes.
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