♥ LM: I am sure that everyone who loves dogs would appreciate an update on the situation with the Chinese government, the June 21st “Yulin Chinese Dog M eat Festival” and any progress being made to shut it down. I believe there was a ban on the selling of dog meat. Certainly a start and I heard that The “Vanderpump Dog Foundation” went over to China and rescued animals? LV: Dr. John Sessa, the Executive Director of the “Vanderpump Dog Foundation”, flew to China for a wellness mission following the Yulin Dog Meat Festival. On this mission, Dr. Sessa brought over medicine and was able to vaccinate 1,200 dogs that had been intercepted on trucks from the Festival. Alongside our partners in the California State government, we are working to write legislation in order to further regulate breeding in our state. We are helping state legislators to raise breeding license fees and tighten regulations on this industry, to bring an end to Puppy Mills. Regarding Yulin, there was a 10-day “temporary ban” on the selling of dog meat prior to the festival and a few days during as well. We are bringing over 4 of these dogs that will be adopted in Los Angeles at the “Vanderpump Dog Rescue Center” and will serve as our 2017 Yulin Ambassadors for the Foundation. These ambassadors serve as educators and awareness of the horrible Festival that takes place every year and we hope these beautiful animals can bring more attention and a face to the on going situation that needs to end ♥ LM: Are there any new laws in the works to protect dogs? LV: Yes, legislatively, in 2016, The “Vanderpump Dog Foundation” helped initiate Resolution 752, that condemns the annual Dog Meat Festival in Yulin, China.
The bill urges the government of China and the Yulin authorities to ban the torture, killing and eating of dogs as part of Yulin’s Festival and to enforce China’s food safety laws. The bill affirms the United States’ commitment to protect animals. Resolution 752 has now been reintroduced to the Congress by Congressmen Alcee Hastings as Resolution 30, now expanded as HR 401 in the new Congress. We are seeking bipartisan support of HR 401 in the hopes that it is presented on the floor and subsequently passed. LM: Tell me about the documentary you’re making and when we can expect to see it? LV: Regarding the documentary, we have completed the first part and are hoping to submit it to a film festival this year. It’s called “The Road to Yulin.” It’s about the torture and slaughter of dogs at the “so-called” festival in Yulin, China. We’ve managed to get attention and visibility around the world about this horrific situation. LM: Lisa, what would you like to tell my readers about the role animals play in our lives OR what they can do to help these voiceless creatures? Feel free to be philosophical. LV: I feel that animals truly enhance our lives and make the world a better place. I think it’s important for children to have a pet in the house as it teaches them empathy and kindness. I feel that the connection of rescuing a dog that often has experienced abuse is amazing. They know their life has changed for the better and they are so appreciative. It’s been very hard to separate myself from the instant bonding that I have with the dogs that come into the center – but finding them a great home is our mission.
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Please come and visit and check out our efforts at: www.VanderpumpDogs.org.
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