Activists rush British airport in desperate bid to stop dozens of greyhounds becoming FOOD
ANIMAL rights protestors have rushed to save dozens of greyhounds feared to be heading overseas "to become food".
Animal activists film as greyhounds appear to be placed in a crate
The activists were desperate to stop the dogs allegedly being flown out to Hong Kong on an evening flight from Manchester Airport.
In a dramatic intervention, around 40 protestors descended on the Swissport Cargo freight terminal in the early hours of this morning in a bid to block a van supposedly carrying 24 greyhounds.
Dozens of greyhounds are apparently bound to become Chinese cuisine
They urged people to join the protest today as footage emerged of people apparently placing dogs in cargo boxes at night in an unknown location.
The Dogs Trust said the alleged exportation was moving the dogs via the UK to Hong Kong and onwards to Macau where they face becoming race dogs or food.
Protesters had been waiting at the cargo entrance to Manchester Airport since before dawn but as of yet no transit van carrying animals has been spotted.
The group claim the van was spotted in Cheshire carrying the greyhounds and they were desperate to stop the dogs being "sold into the illegal meat trade".
They said Britain should follow Australia in banning greyhounds from being transported to China.
Michael James, 35, co-founder of the activist group Caged North West said: "We received information 24 greyhounds are coming to Manchester from Ireland, they travelled on a ferry from Holyhead.
"We managed to intercept the vehicle at Lymm services. They are Manchester bound to Manchester Airport, the flight destination is China.
"It is an emotive and major issue. Everyone we come across now, everyone is against it. Australia has banned greyhounds from travelling to China.
The activists said Britain should follow Australia in banning greyhounds from being taken to China
Dogs are traded as food to be skinned and cooked
They are sold into the illegal meat trade
"In greyhound racing in China, if the dog does not place in the first three it will be destroyed.
"They are also sold into the illegal meat trade.
"If we can keep them in this country until 6.30pm they will be safe. We are not giving up, we are not leaving today."
A spokesman from Manchester Airport said: "This morning a small group of protesters held a peaceful demonstration on the airport site. This did not impact on operations in any way."
Michael James is the co-founder of the activist group Caged North West
Meanwhile, Dogs Trust confirmed they were "engaging with the relevant authorities" to ensure the matter is investigated.
A spokesman said: "Dogs Trust, The ISPCA and The Irish Blue Cross are totally opposed to the export of greyhounds to China’s only legal Greyhound track the Yat Yuen Canidrome, which has a deplorable welfare record.
"We consider such exports to be ill-advised and a massive step backwards in achieving a well regulated and safe environment for greyhounds both in Ireland and elsewhere in the world.
"We once again strongly call on the IGB, The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and airline carriers to put and end to this deplorable trade in misery."