Kim Jong Un recently declared pet dogs a “decadence,” claiming they’re a source of resentment for people who can’t afford to own them; a “capitalist extravagance.”

As a result, he has ordered them all to be surrendered or they will be forcibly confiscated. The government has identified families who own dogs and are currently going to homes to take the pets away from their families. These beloved family members are being sent to zoos or euthanized and many fear this is a response to the food shortage the country is facing - there’s a real concern the dogs’ journeys will end on the plates of North Koreans as meat.

This is upsetting not only because the people and their pets have done nothing wrong, but also knowing the additional suffering North Koreans will face is absolutely heartbreaking. This is a country that has been beaten down by its rulers for decades. I can’t imagine the crushing pain of being deprived of all my freedoms, modern conveniences, food, and then to have one of the last bright spots in my life snuffed out. The friend who greets me At the door after a long day and loves me unconditionally. A dog is family and can enhance a person’s life exponentially.

Pet dogs have been proven to be beneficial in so many ways. They reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, prevent anxiety and depression; just to name a few. For Kim Jong Un to say pet dogs are only a decadence is simply untrue - for loads of people, they’re a necessity.

I’m writing this petition in order to encourage people to call out Kim Jong Un. I want him to rethink what this move will do to the well-being of his people and to allow them to keep their pets. The pets who have already been taken or surrendered should be returned to their families. 
I’m also hoping this petition will call the attention of world leaders like the President who have the ability to directly contact Kim Jong Un. My hope is that other world leaders plead the case for pet owners in North Korea, who don’t have the freedom to speak for themselves. Please share this petition with your friends, family, state leaders and representatives. 

If we can’t get his attention and get him to stop, Kim Jong Un will have destroyed the lives of sweet, innocent animals and the people who loved them. We’d be letting him further break the spirits of his people.

This simply isn’t an option. Together we can try to save these furry friends for the families who love them so dearly.