Visitors to a Knebworth festival had a chance to meet inspiring dogs who were rescued from the meat trade earlier this month. 

Visitors to Dog Fest, which took place at Knebworth House had the chance to meet courageous canines who have been rescued by the NoToDogMeat charity. 

The pups included Felicity, a gorgeous Samoyed who was rescued after being strung up by her tail ready for slaughter, and Oliver, who was rescued from a truck packed full of petrified pooches headed for the notorious Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China. 

At the festival NoToDogMeat's volunteers and charity CEO Julia de Cadenet, were on hand to tell the remarkable stories, and explain more about the charity's three shelters in China and Cambodia. 

A wonderful moment also came on Saturday, when the charity was presented with a Shining World Compassion Award by the organisation founded by Vietnamese spiritual leader Supreme Master Ching Hai, which honours generous, caring and courageous projects around the world. 

With the award also came a $10,000 donation to the charity, which will go directly to support the work at the shelters in Asia. 

Julia de Cadenet, CEO of NoToDogMeat, said: "We have had an amazing experience at Dog Fest, and to receive the award and generous donation was such a boost for the charity, which works so hard. 

"We are a very grassroots charity and don't have big budgets, so donations like these are so valued and needed, especially so soon after this year's Yulin Dog Meat Festival, where we have rescued dogs. 

"Dog Fest was also a wonderful opportunity to meet people, introduce them to the dogs and explain more about the work we do. Thank you to everyone who visited the stand to find out more." 

To learn about the work of NoToDogMeat or to donate go to www.notodogmeat.com