A UK charity specialising in disabled dogs is travelling more than 5,000 miles to China to support animals rescued from the dog meat trade.
Broken Biscuits Charity, based in Lincolnshire, has sent volunteers to Harbin in north-east China on 15 March alongside two specialist orthopaedic veterinarians from The Vet Station. he team will work with Harbin SHS Animal Rescue, run by Irish rescuer Hayley, who cares for dogs saved from the meat trade and provides them with sanctuary and medical treatment.
Many of the animals arriving at the shelter have untreated fractures, joint damage or spinal injuries after years of neglect and harsh conditions. Some are unable to walk, and without specialist treatment would likely remain in shelters for the rest of their lives.
During the visit, the UK vets will carry out orthopaedic assessments and surgeries while also sharing specialist skills and rehabilitation techniques with the shelter team. The aim is to improve the long-term care of injured dogs and support the treatment of mobility-related conditions.
Some of the rescued dogs are expected to travel to Europe as part of the collaboration. The most seriously injured animals will come to the UK under the care of Broken Biscuits.
Once in Britain, they will undergo orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation through the charity’s veterinary partners, with the aim of helping them regain mobility and eventually find permanent homes.
Tim Giles of Broken Biscuits said, “Disabled dogs are often the ones left behind, even after they’ve been rescued. Many of the dogs we’re going to help have injuries that have never been treated.
“With the right surgery and rehabilitation they can walk again and live happy lives. This mission is about giving those dogs a real future — and also sharing our vets’ knowledge so many more dogs can be helped long after we leave.”
Dr Waite from The Vet Station added, “These dogs are living with injuries that would normally be treatable if they had access to specialist care. By working alongside the shelter team and sharing orthopaedic techniques, we hope to transform outcomes for many animals.”
Broken Biscuits focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating disabled and mobility-impaired dogs, including animals with paralysis, amputations and complex orthopaedic conditions that are often overlooked by traditional rescue pathways.
The charity hopes the visit will not only help the dogs that later travel to the UK but also leave lasting veterinary knowledge that will allow more injured animals to be treated in the future. Supporters are able to follow the mission and contribute towards transport, surgeries and rehabilitation through the charity’s online channels.
