The NoToDogMeat Foundation has saved the lives of thousands of dogs and cats.

There are more than 700 rescued dogs and cats currently being cared for in the Hebei and Beijing shelters in China.

Some of the dogs from the rescue centres are rehomed in China, while others are adopted by people abroad. These dogs include one of NoToDogMeat’s ambassador dogs, a chow named Annabel.

Annabel is blind in one eye as a result of her ordeal in China. She has had to receive regular treatment for internal inflammation that she suffered because some of her organs were punctured when she was partially skinned. Some of Annabel’s fur has never grown back.

The little Tibetan spaniel Camille is just one of many of the rescued dogs who caught distemper while being transported for slaughter.

Julia de Cadenet said: “This is the heartbreaking reality of rescue as infectious diseases can break out and it is almost impossible to save some of the animals.

“Dogs with distemper need to go into expensive intensive care and then are left with ‘chattering teeth’ and other neurological conditions, or heart problems.”

Vikki Phelps, who lives in Britain and has adopted a poodle named Hope, says she adores her new companion. Her other dog, Murphy, accepted Hope right away, she said.

“I am sitting here crying,” she said as Hope was settling in. “This beautiful, tiny, fragile little girl is so trusting and taking everything in her stride.

“She has been through unimaginable cruelty yet loves and trust humans. Instead of some people treating them so badly, they should learn from them.”

Julia de Cadenet said: “Running the NoToDogMeat Foundation has shown me the very best and the very worst of humanity.”