Cycle for a cause: 8-year-old raises funds to save dogs against meat trade

• Rhys Stevens rides his bike for a good cause.
• For every mile he rides, he raises funds to save dogs from the dog meat trade in China.
• So far, he has raised $400 and is on his way to save one dog, who will soon have a home in the US.

The dog meat trade is prevalent especially in many parts of Asia. For most people, this kind of industry, which uses dog meat for human consumption, remains unregulated and illegal.

For eight-year-old Rhys Stevens, dog meat trade is not just unlawful, but downright cruel and inhumane.

Rhys, who comes from Willingham, England, recently initiated a fundraiser campaign to save as many dogs as possible from the dog meat trade.

According to his mom, Kathleen Stevens, he was disheartened after watching a documentary about the said trade and decided to act upon it to put these dogs out of misery.

With support from his mom, Rhys vowed to rescue these poor dogs by riding his bike. For every mile he rides, he raises and donates funds to China Rescue Dogs.

China Rescue Dogs is a nonprofit organization located in Vass, North Carolina. Its mission is to rescue and rehabilitate all kinds of dogs from the meat trade in China and provide them with loving homes in the US and Canada.

According to the organization, they were moved by Rhys’ heart for these animals needing help. “The fact that an 8-year-old boy, halfway around the world, is so selfless that he would want to ride his bike to help us save these dogs brings tears to my eyes.” Jill Stewart, president and founder of China Rescue Dogs, said.

Rhys has so far raised over $400, and there is no stopping him just yet.

“Rhys is passionate about dogs and animals in general. He just wants to do good things and make a difference,” said his proud mom Kathleen.

The little dog hero’s campaign is starting to pay off, when China Rescue Dogs said that Lola, a one-and-a-half-year-old Husky, will be saved through his efforts. Rhys committed to complete the needed funds so Lola will be out of the trade in no time.

“The fees to transport Lola out of China are approximately $2,500. All the money Rhys generates with his bike ride fundraiser will go towards Lola’s transport fees,” Jill said.

With still more funds to go, Rhys is counting on his friends, neighbors, and all the kindhearted people out there to help him save Lola, and all the rest of the dogs.

Currently, China Rescue Dogs has added a link to Rhys’ fundraiser on their website.

“We really need the public’s help to save and transport these dogs. The expense is enormous, so every donation helps save a pup,” Jill said.

Source: PEOPLE.com