21 dogs were rescued by animal groups when an illegal dog meat farm in South Korea was shut down by authorities. The dogs were saved just days before the start of Bok Nal, the three hottest days of summer during which most dog farms are sold and killed for dog meat soup or “bosintang.”

Source: ClickHeart TV 2/Youtube

The Humane Society International/Korea (HSI) and Korean K9 Rescue saved the young dogs after the Ansan city authorities shut down the facility for operating without a license. The farmer had been breeding dogs for human consumption at that site for six years. Since the shutdown, the farmer, Mr. Hwang, signed an agreement to never farm dogs again.

Government officials removed 38 dogs from the slaughterhouse and brought them to their shelter for rehoming. However, the 21 dogs left behind had a deadline for removal, or else they would be euthanized or sold to a slaughterhouse.

The 21 dogs, named Romeo, Henry, Tori, Juliette, Brown Bear, Christian, and all the others, will now receive veterinary care and vaccinations and go into quarantine thanks to HSI and Korean K9 Rescue. Then they are eventually flown by HSI to North America to find their forever homes.

Source: Jean Chung/For HSI

Sangkyung Lee, HSI/Korea’s dog meat campaign manager, said, “This dog farm is typical of so many across South Korea where thousands of dogs are languishing in filthy, deprived conditions, enduring the unimaginable frustration of being confined in tiny cages their whole lives until they are brutally killed by electrocution. Thankfully, we are able to bring a happy ending for these young dogs who will receive all the medical care and attention they need before flying to North America later in the year to seek adoptive homes.”

South Korea’s three “Bok” days are when dog meat consumption is the most popular in the country. While the demand for dog meat is usually low during the year, these three days see a huge spike in demand.

HSI Korea has permanently closed down 17 dog meat farms in the country and helped local groups and law enforcement rescue dogs from farms and markets. A recent opinion poll commissioned by HSI Korea found that nearly 84 percent of South Koreans don’t or won’t eat dogs, and almost 60 percent Support a legislative ban.

Gina Boehler, executive director of Korean K9 Rescue said, “It’s important we keep pushing for reform and change to the agriculture laws within South Korea and effectively promote change from within. We are grateful for our collaboration with HSI  and we know these dogs will go on to live a better life. We have seen and recognized the approval of most South Korean citizens who actively oppose the dog meat trade and lobby for change, which keeps our mission strong and alive.”

Sign this petition to urge the government of South Korea to create programs to transition dog meat farmers into more ethical industries and protect all dogs!

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