WARNING: The content of this article may be sensitive to some readers.
As long as dogs are still being harmed in the dog meat trade, animal rescuers will keep doing everything they can to save them. Humane Society International recently rescued 34 dogs from meat farms in South Korea. Many of the dogs are shy and hesitant to trust humans, but they’re all ready to find the loving homes they deserve.
These dogs have made their way to the United States, where they can be adopted by forever families. It will be a tough transition for some, but animal rescue advocates won’t give up on them. Dog lovers will keep fighting until no more dogs are killed for meat.
34 Dogs Safe
The rescued dogs had previously lived in metal cages without access to adequate food, water, or space. Many of the dogs were malnourished and had painful skin conditions. If these dogs hadn’t been rescued, they would’ve been killed, likely through electrocution, and used for meat.
“As a proud parent of a dog rescued in 2019 from the 15th farm Humane Society International helped transition out of the dog meat industry, I know these dogs can become wonderful additions to a family. All these nearly three dozen dogs needed was the chance to be saved from the dog meat industry, and that was made possible by HSI’s fantastic teams and partners on-the-ground in South Korea and here in the United States,” said Jeffrey Flocken, president of Humane Society International.
Romeo, Nuri, Daisy, Phoenix, and Brown Bear are a few of the dogs that were rescued and brought to the United States. All 34 dogs are currently at a care and rehabilitation center operated by the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International.
The dogs at the rehabilitation center are slowly warming up to the volunteers. Many are now accepting treats by hand and welcoming affection. Every day, the volunteers give the dogs enrichment toys as they prepare for adoption. After all, these dogs deserve to be spoiled after everything they’ve been through.
Fighting to End the Dog Meat Trade
Even though very few people in South Korea support the dog meat trade, it continues to operate. A 2020 poll revealed that 84% of Koreans have never eaten dog meat and aren’t willing to do so. 59% said they were in support of banning the sale and consumption of dog meat in South Korea, which is 24% higher than the results from 2017.
Approximately one million dogs per year are still killed in South Korea for meat, but the demand for dog meat has decreased over the years. Every time dogs are saved, it’s a step in the right direction for creating a more humane world for canines.
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“For these dogs flying to the United States, South Korea’s dog meat industry will soon be a distant memory. But hundreds of thousands of other dogs are still languishing in terrible conditions on dog meat farms for a meat that very few Koreans want to eat and most want banned,” said Sangkyung Lee with the Humane Society International.
Once these dogs are healthy and ready for adoption, they’ll be sent to shelters that will help them find their perfect homes. Humane Society International encourages anyone looking to adopt a dog to check out their local shelters and rescues. If you’d like to help fight against the dog meat trade, you can make a donation.
Featured Image: Facebook
Toledo, United States.
