Not Even Matt Damon Can End China’s Annual Dog Meat Festival

A petition carrying 11 million signatures is not enough to halt China’s annual dog meat festival, Reuters reports.

The southern city of Yulin kicked off its dog meat fest on Tuesday, despite the complaints of residents, along with protests by animal rights activists around the world.

Beijing authorities were delivered a petition of 11 million names in opposition to the festival; a similar Change.org petition has so far collected more than 2.5 million digital signatures.

Matt Damon, Kristen Bell, Sia, Pamela Anderson, both Mara sisters and a highly emotional Joaquin Phoenix have also joined forces with the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation to protest the dog meat industry. (Some disturbing footage below.)

And yet, the local government has only instituted one measure to appease protesters: keeping the festival “low key”. They note that the fest is hosted by private business people and is not officially sanctioned by authorities.

A crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $115,000 to purchase and care for the dogs headed to Yulin’s slaughterhouses – all to no avail.

Some have gone straight to the source, attending the festival – where caged dogs are sold to prospective chefs – and buying up the dogs themselves, for rescue.

Of course, restaurateurs who believe dog meat is “good for the body” have complained about the government siding with activists (even in just a symbolic way), noting that it’s a cultural delicacy.

“I personally like eating dog meat," said one.

Apologies to those reading this over lunch.

Photo: YouTube / Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation.