In Yulin, China, June 21, is the start of an annual “festival” when dogs and cats – many of them stolen pets – are brutally beaten to death and then consumed.
To help raise the public's awareness for this issue more than a dozen women and dog owners based in the New York Metro Area released images with their pets and the message “Stop The Torture” on Instagram. The campaign was formed to stir emotion and awaken audiences to the barbaric Yulin Dog Meat Festival. Visit the Humane Society International (HSI) website to sign the petition to help end the Yulin Dog Meat Festival hsi.org/stopthetorture
The campaign was photographed by Westchester based pet and family portrait Photographer, Geoffrey Tischman, and was branded by internationally known Graphic Designer, Albian Gagica. Later this month, videos with behind the scenes footage from each photo shoot created by Starr Films will be released individually to further promote the campaign. The campaign was developed by Communications Strategist, Sarah Bamford, in collaboration with a team of professionals who donated their time and talent in support of the global movement to end Yulin forever.
According to the Humane Society International, the Yulin Lychee and Dog Meat Festival was launched in 2010 by Yulin's dog meat traders as a commercial enterprise to boost their flagging sales. Previously, Yulin city had never known a dog meat festival and there was no established tradition of dog eating there, the traders tried to co-opt the idea of local tradition in order to legitimize the event. To date, Humane Society has shut down 11 dog meat farms around the world. In China, HSI is guiding and supporting numerous local animal welfare organizations in addressing the dog meat trade within their own country. Since August 2014, partner groups have assisted the rescue of more than 7,000 dogs across China from large transport vehicles carrying hundreds of captured dogs in crowded cages to their deaths at slaughterhouses.
The #StopTheTorture official hashtag is being used to track its influence among others who participate in the campaign by posting an image with the provided caption. Partnering on the Campaign is the Founder of Evoke Marketing and PAWS of Greenwich, Jessica Del Guercio with Hope @ms_evoke; International Actress and Humanitarian, Gabriela Dias with Coco and Hines @officialgabrieladias; Professional Ballet Dancer and Co-Founder of EmpowHer New York, Ingrid Silva with Frida @ingridsilva; Founder of Bread & Butter Marketing, Ria Rueda with Bear @breadandbuttermktg; Founder of Hybrid Media, Sarah Bamford with Sumi @sarahbam82; Intoxikate Radio Personality and Food Writer, Kate Schlientz with Harper @intoxikatefoodie; Founder & Creative Director of statement., Brooke Bohnsack with Duke @brookegordonbohnsack; Founder of Ruby Media Group, Kris Ruby with Caicos @krisruby; Founder of New View PR, Elisa Gorman with Buddy @elisagorman; Publicist, Rachel Lampen with Louis @only1rara; Fashion Designer, Katie Fong with Tucker @katiefongbiglin; Beauty Entrepreneur and Miss Connecticut USA 2017, Olga Litvinenko with Leo @the_olga_litvinenko; Greenwich Real Estate Agent, Suzy Armstong with Coco @suzyarm; Business Owner and Interior Designer, Mari Boltone with Rambo and Daisy @maribinteriors; and Makeup Artist, Nina DeGiglio with (Dylan Armstorng's dog) Charlie @ninadegigliomakeup.
The Campaign was produced by a team that donated their time and talent throughout March and April. Salon Owner, Paulo Lanfredi, opened his new space on Greenwich Avenue to host each photo shoot, Lanfredi also helped with hairstyling. Makeup was provided by Kathleen Fillion who used a cruelty-free cosmetic brand, Chantecaille, and wardrobe styling was provided by Penny Goffman, the founder of Jolie Gotique. "I couldn't have pulled this Campaign off without the help of Angelique Adelina, she was by my side at each shoot capturing it all on video. Her company Starr Films has produced many award-winning short films and her guidance was a huge support. Everyone on this team played a very important role, I couldn't be more grateful for their advice, time and patience. It is truly amazing how the bond between humans and dogs can motivate such incredible teamwork" said Bamford. She continued, "The main goal for the #StopTheTorture campaign is to start a conversation, motivate our audiences to educate themselves and above all, support an organization that is leading the fight to end the global abuse and torture of dogs and inhumane treatment of all animals. Everyone working on this project provided a lot and did it with their whole heart, I know we're going to make an impact."
About Humane Society International
Humane Society International is one of the only global animal protection organizations working to help all animals—including animals in laboratories, animals on farms, companion animals and wildlife—and our record of achievement demonstrates our dedication and effectiveness. HSI: Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty.
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