The County of Los Angeles is home to millions of pet loving families who are against animal abuse and suffering. In support of our furry constituents, Supervisors Hilda L. Solis, Sheila Kuehl, Janice Hahn, and Kathryn Barger passed a motion to advocate for the fair treatment of animals and oppose China’s Yulin Dog Meat Festival.

“Los Angeles County does not condone the torture and abuse of any animal” said Supervisor Solis. “The Yulin Dog Meat Festival is a horrifying event that has created international outrage due its cruel treatment of dogs, so much so that the majority of Chinese people feel that this practice should end. We will continue to advocate for our loving companions at every level of government.”

The motion, introduced by Supervisor Solis, directs the County’s legislative team to advocate for the rights of animals forced to partake in this event. The motion would also allow the County to advocate on behalf of H. Res. 30 authored by Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), which affirms the commitment of the United States to the protection of animals.

“It is impossible for me to sit here and do nothing. The way these precious animals are beaten, slaughtered and consumed is absolutely horrible,” Lisa Vanderpump, co-founder of Vanderpump Dogs Foundation. “I’ve been working for more than a year alongside my husband, Ken Todd and my partner, Dr. John Sessa to bring awareness and end the Yulin Dog Meat Festival through our foundation [Vanderpump Dogs]. To have more support condemning this atrocity is what we need to create the momentum for a more humane world for dogs worldwide.”

As many as 10,000 dogs, some of which are stolen pets, are skinned alive, butchered and eaten to mark the summer solstice during this 10-day event. Witnesses report nightmarish scenes in which these abused dogs are boiled or burned alive in front of other dogs. In addition, the practice is frequent in South Korea, where the dog meat trade sees more than two million dogs slaughtered and eaten each year. This year’s Yulin Festival is set to take place on June 21, 2017 in Yulin, Guangxi, China.