Welcoming the New Year with New Hope and Real Progress
- Christy Griffin
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, reflection, and possibility. As we step into a new year, we do so with gratitude for how far we have come together, and with renewed determination for the work ahead.
Because of your support, this is a time of hope and measurable progress. For over 13 years, Duo Duo Project has worked on the ground in China, 365 days a year, to end the dog and cat meat trade. And today, we can say with confidence: this is a winnable campaign.
Changing Hearts and Minds
Last year, nearly 80,000 young people in Yulin — the epicenter of the dog and cat meat trade — were reached through humane education programs made possible by compassionate supporters like you. Through art classes and contests, dog-positive film screenings, and direct connection with rescued animals, children are learning to see dogs and cats as family, not food.
The cultural shift is already visible. When the Yulin Dog Meat “Festival” began, an estimated 10,000 dogs were killed each year. That number has dropped significantly to approximately 3,000. Even one life lost is too many, but this progress shows that hearts and minds are changing.
Addressing the Root Cause
There are no large-scale dog or cat meat farms in China. Most animals trapped in the horrific dog and cat meat trade are strays stolen from the streets or pets stolen from their families' yards and homes. By reducing stray populations, we are cutting off the primary supply of animals for the dog and cat meat trade.
In 2024, we launched our Spay and Neuter Initiative. In 2025, that work expanded in powerful ways. We completed Phase One of our first-of-its-kind Spay and Neuter Training Center in China. The facility is already hosting surgeries and training young veterinarians in advanced, humane techniques. These veterinarians will carry that knowledge back to their communities, multiplying the impact for years to come. So far, we’ve hosted 10 spay/neuter events, and we’re just getting started.
This is how lasting change happens: by building systems that prevent suffering before it begins.
A Growing Movement of Compassion
Compassion is spreading, and it is being led by the next generation. What began as grassroots advocacy is now part of a larger cultural change.
Across China, young activists are leading outreach efforts, intercepting transport trucks, and creating safer futures for animals in their communities. Temples are becoming our partners in humane stray management. And globally, supporters are coming together through outreach events like our International Pet Appreciation Celebration, which is now happening across multiple countries every June.
Your Support Creates What Comes Next
As we begin this new year, we are closer than ever to ending the dog and cat meat trade. With Phase Two of our Training Center set for completion in Spring 2026, expanded spay/neuter programs, and growing humane education initiatives, the path forward is clear and full of possibility.
None of this happens without you. Your support is more than a donation. It’s a commitment to progress and to a future without the cruel dog and cat meat trade, a future where animals are treated with the care and respect they deserve.
Together, we are not just hoping for change. We are creating it. Happy Lunar New Year, and thank you for being part of this journey.