How did the MRL come to be?

We were founded as a not for profit in 2019 by a group of strangers bonded around a common passion and love for the Belgian Malinois and a drive to protect them from harm especially from the barbaric treatment of animals and lack of animal welfare laws in China.



Does the MRL only rescue Belgian Malinois?

Although our focus in on the Belgian Malinois breed, we support rescue services for traditional working breeds including Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, German Shepherd Dogs, Doberman Pinchers, and Rottweilers.



How do working dogs end up in Asia dog slaughter houses?

Western working dogs are not indigenous to Asia and have been imported to the continent for predominantly security and protection services by the military, police and private companies needing guard dogs. They are imported from breeders throughout the world with many coming from the USA and Europe. Asia locals utilize the dogs and may start their own breeding programs. Once the dogs are deemed by the Asian owners to be at the end of their useful lives or do not pass the standard for their intended purpose (ie – they could be too small, nice, have a birth defect, etc.), they are generally sold to the dog meat market. Additionally, criminal gangs operate to steal dogs and sell them to the meat trade.



How does the Malinois Rescue League find and save Mals from the meat trade?

We work closely with Plush Bear Shelters to coordinate the initial pull of the dogs during their frequent trips to the slaughterhouse and meat market. Plush Bear know the malinois breed and save as many as they can for us. They arrange initial health checks and take care of the dogs in their shelter until we are able to transport them down to Beijing.



How much does it cost to rescue a Malinois?

The total cost from slaughterhouse to a new home in North America averages between $2000-$2500 USD. This includes saving the dog, veterinarian care, transport to Beijing and then to North America as well as spay/neutering, pet boarding and export paper work and certifications.



How long does it take for a Mal to come to North America once they are rescued?

The time varies on the health of the Mal and required veterinarian services required, however, one can generally expect the process to take 5-6 months.



Does buying Mals from the dog meat trade just exacerbate the dog supply issue and encourage dog meat slaughterhouses to torture and kill more dogs?

The unfortunate truth is the dogs saved will be replaced by other dogs who will be killed however until legislation is passed ensuring the protection of animals the best we can do is save one soul at a time. We can at least save these dogs from torture one by one and make a tremendous difference in each of their lives and the lives of their new families. Additionally, MRL works with many local organizations to help support changes to animal welfare laws and regulations in support of the humane treatment of all animals. We also encourage and support plant-based food sources for humans wherever possible.



Are the mals toilet trained?

No, most Mals will need a very patient home to help them understand where to relieve themselves as well as how to live in a house. Most have never experienced life indoors and as such stairs, carpet, sofas, household electrical appliances, stoves, etc. are all new experiences.



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