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Locals from Yulin in Guangxi have joined the globe outcry to put an end to the annual June 21 horror show not just because of animal welfare concerns but also due to the disgusting lack of hygiene and the stench left behind by the torture and slaughter of thousands of helpless dogs.

Chinese activists have slammed the festival for “tarnishing China’s image” and reminded its ever-shrinking fanbase that many of the dogs eaten during the summer event are stolen pets.

The Tree of Life Philanthropy Merit Association said: “At this time, most Chinese people want to ban this so-called festival and believe it has tarnished China's image.

“For the so-called ‘summer solstice to eat dog meat’ custom, tens of thousands of dogs are poached and brutally killed every year, and most of them are pet dogs that steal dog thief from the owner’s home or on the street.”