NewsLocal News

Actions

Maryland animal shelters to house dogs rescued from South Korea meat farm

South Korea Dog Meat Farm 17 Rescue
South Korea Dog Meat Farm 17 Rescue
South Korea Dog Meat Farm 17 Rescue
South Korea Dog Meat Farm 17 Rescue
South Korea Dog Meat Farm 17 Rescue
South Korea Dog Meat Farm 17 Temp Shelter
South Korea Dog Meat Farm 17 Temp Shelter
South Korea Dog Meat Farm 17 Rescue
Posted at 12:02 PM, Oct 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-28 12:29:35-04

BALTIMORE — Multiple animal shelters in Maryland are helping to take in some 150 dogs rescued from a South Korea meat farm.

Humane Society International has worked years to rescue these dogs and shut down the farms that slaughter them.

The COVID-19 pandemic though has complicated that mission for most of the year.

This latest effort is the 17th farm the charitable group has been able to help close down.

Rescue teams needed to first quarantine at a government-sanctioned hotel in Seoul before being allowed to head to the farm in Haemi.

While the dogs have a long road to recovery, the Humane Society says many are already feeling comfortable in their new confines.

It's the first time in their lives the dogs will have a warm bed and fresh food.

Veterinary exams and treatment for those needing it are underway.

Petey and Furends in Rockville and the Humane Society of Calvert County, are among the shelters helping to house the rescued dogs.

The group includes golden retrievers, a poodle, Korean jindos and mastiffs, Pomeranians, terriers and a Labrador.

“Although most people in South Korea don’t regularly eat dog meat, and support for a ban is growing, there remain thousands of farms of all sizes across the country where dogs of all breeds endure a harsh existence," says Kelly O'meara with Humane Society International. "With fewer people wanting to eat dog, farmers can see the writing is on the wall for this dying industry and so they work with HSI to find a solution that gives both them and their remaining dogs a chance of a new life. With such interest from dog farmers, and public support, we hope the Korean government will adopt this type of approach to phase out the dog meat industry for good.”