Despite South Korea's revised Animal Protection Act of 2023, the horrific practice of lifelong tethering continues due to insufficient leash length regulations and weak enforcement. Countless "rural dogs" endure lives of filth, neglect, and isolation, often chained with lengths far shorter than the supposed minimum. This systemic failure results in tragic consequences during disasters, as seen in recent wildfires where helpless, tethered dogs were abandoned and burned alive. These recurring horrors reveal a profound disregard for animal welfare, one that tarnishes South Korea's moral standing.
Immediate and decisive action is urgently needed. We call for a complete and strictly enforced ban on lifelong tethering, coupled with drastically strengthened enforcement of animal welfare laws and severe penalties for neglect. Additionally, mandatory disaster evacuation protocols must ensure the evacuation of all dogs, explicitly forbidding the inhumane practice of leaving them tethered or confined during emergencies. We urge Sister Cities of South Korea to leverage their partnerships to demand meaningful legal reforms, including a comprehensive tethering ban and mandatory pet evacuation policies, to end this unimaginable suffering. The world is watching, and South Korea must act now to implement real, lasting change.
Click below to learn more and take action.
Sister City: Busan & Los Angeles
Sister City: Daegu & Milwaukee
CARE sprang into action, their hearts filled with prayer.
When a devastating wildfire swept through Gyeongbuk Province, CARE (Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth) leapt into action—despite having no financial reserves—because the animals needed them. From past rescues like the 2022 Uljin wildfire to the current crisis, CARE has faced overwhelming medical costs and heartbreaking injuries.
This time, CARE rescued 42 animals, all in urgent need of medical care. In a moment of hope, Eum Animal Medical Center generously offered full treatment sponsorship for seven of the most severely burned dogs. But dozens more still require treatment, recovery, and long-term support—and CARE cannot meet their needs alone. Their stories of survival and healing remind us that even in disaster, kindness can light the way—and your help can make that light shine brighter.
Click HERE to learn more.
Thank you!
KOREANDOGS.ORG
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"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." -Mahatma Gandhi