Each year, thousands of dogs across Asia find themselves trapped in the harrowing cycle of the dog meat trade. These dogs endure unimaginable suffering in slaughterhouses, confined to small cages, and denied primary care. Yet, thanks to a growing movement for animal rights, organizations like Korean K9 Rescue are paving a path to freedom and new beginnings for many of these animals.

South Korea’s attitude towards the dog meat trade have been shifting dramatically. In January 2024, the South Korean government passed a landmark bill that will entirely outlaw the breeding, slaughter, and selling of dogs for meat by 2027. With nearly 82% of South Koreans supporting this ban, the government responded with legislation protecting dogs and providing farmers with resources to transition to alternative livelihoods. However, the law’s full effect is still a few years away, meaning that many dogs remain in harm’s way. Dog meat farmers are taking in more dogs than ever, and the collection of dogs is surging, so the farmers can collect more government incentives ahead of the ban and transition period. That means for organizations like Korean K9 Rescue, the work to find and shut down slaughterhouses and puppy mills remains ongoing and urgent.

Just this past October 17th, our team successfully shut down two slaughterhouses and a puppy mill in Busan with our partners, marking a victory for animal welfare and our mission. Next door to the slaughterhouses, a dog meat restaurant also closed its doors. Each rescue highlights the immense need for on-the-ground intervention in the years leading up to 2027, as many facilities operate secretly. With each successful shutdown, these dogs receive immediate safety relief. They are given a chance to experience love and companionship, sometimes for the first time, at our rescue and rehabilitation center in Bundang, South Korea. Here, the dogs recover in a loving environment and learn that kindness from humans does exist from our hard-working team.

The recent South Korean legislation is a significant victory, akin to the UK’s “Lucy’s Law,” which restricts third-party sales of puppies and kittens to combat unethical breeding practices. However, until the law fully takes effect, Korean K9 Rescue will continue its mission, seeking out facilities and rescuing dogs who still face the reality of the meat trade. Our work to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs is a commitment we take to heart, transforming frightened survivors into cherished family members.

How You Can Help

At Korean K9 Rescue, we’re always looking for ways to increase our impact, but we can’t do it alone. If you’re inspired by our mission, there are many ways to join the fight against the dog meat trade and help us save lives. We’re actively seeking fosters and adopters who can offer safe, loving homes for our rescued dogs. Volunteers are also essential to our work, helping with events, transports, and daily care. And, of course, donations are vital to sustain our rescue efforts, support medical care, and enable future shutdowns of inhumane facilities.

Together, we can make a difference for these dogs and bring hope to even more lives. Thank you for being part of this mission! To learn more about how you can help, visit us here.