I got an email from Ms Haley Williams who is the director of the Street Dog Dash and wanted to have an interview so I could let everyone know about this 5km run and why she is organizing it, which is to bring attention to the dog meat trade in Asia and how we can help to stop it.
What made you want to organize a 5k run?
I am working to raise funds and awareness for two organizations that are on the ground in Asia, fighting against the dog meat trade: Soi Dog Foundation and The Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation. 30 million dogs are killed for human consumption through the horrific Dog Meat Trade each year across Asia. The dogs are beaten and tortured in the misguided belief that the more adrenaline (brought on by torture) the dog has in its bloodstream before it’s killed, the more tender and tasty the meat and the more health benefits the consumer will receive. Something has to be done to stop this so I have organized the Street Dog Dash to try and bring awareness and help where I can.
What are the details for the 5k run?
First Annual Street Dog Dash 5k at Etowah River Park (http://streetdogdash5k.com).
April 14, 2018 at 8:00 am (race packet pick-up at 7 am).
This is a dog friendly event, so feel free to bring your (leashed and vaccinated) best friend.
After the race there will be fun events including a DJ, face-painting, snacks and adoption events by local rescues.
A collection bin will be out for contributions to Cherokee County Animal Shelter.
Register online. You can also mail in an entry form.
Is there anything more you want people to know.
I want to try and educate people about what is happening to dogs in Asia. People just tend to think it is just the Yulin Dog Meat Festival but it happens on a continuous basis. A sickening reality of the trade is that many of these dogs are stolen pets who once had loving homes, arriving at the slaughterhouses with their collars still on. In South Korea, dogs are specifically bred for the dog meat trade and will know nothing but suffering their whole life.
People need to know that if they see a need they should do something about it and I thought, why not me? Individuals can make a difference in the world around them if they act.