In Andong, a dog farmer/butcher fled as a wildfire raged, leaving 700 dogs trapped in raised wire cages to burn alive—a gruesome death that starkly exposes the deep-rooted and long-standing indifference of Korean society and its authorities toward the suffering of dogs. The fact that these animals were bred for meat and lived their entire lives in unimaginable misery makes this tragedy all the more devastating.
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 HERE to learn more and take action.
While humans evacuated, these animals were left behind to perish in the flames.
If an evacuation had taken place, these innocent animals might have been saved.
Tragically, the breeding farms were engulfed in flames. Many Jindo dogs perished in the fire.
CARE was able to rescue nearly 40 animals affected by the recent wildfire. These dogs, coming from rural breeding environments, are now suffering from burn injuries, severe tick infestations, and heartworm.
They need urgent medical care, shelter, and support. Would you consider helping these dogs by becoming a sponsor or making a regular donation?
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