On October 11, lawmaker Wi Seong-gon unveiled the disturbing reality of licensed breeding facilities in South Korea, highlighting the need for immediate reform. The case of the “Awark” Kennel in Hwaseong, Korea which illegally bred over 1,400 dogs despite being permitted for only 400, has shown that the current regulations in Korea are grossly insufficient in protecting these precious lives. This hearing sets the stage for why we urgently need to introduce something akin to the UK’s ‘Lucy’s Law’ in Korea.

‘Lucy’s Law’ in England mandates that anyone looking to get a new puppy or kitten must buy directly from a breeder or adopt from a rescue center. The law makes breeders accountable, requiring them to show puppies interacting with their mothers at their birthplace. This cuts out the third-party dealers who often distribute sick and traumatized animals, something that we’ve sadly witnessed here in Korea as well.

We at Korean K9 Rescue, alongside our partner organizations, are fighting every day to shut down facilities like the one in Hwaseong. Just like ‘Lucy’s Law’ aims to eradicate the cruel puppy and kitten farms in the UK, we aim to make every breeder accountable here in Korea, safeguarding animal welfare and holding violators to account.

We thank lawmakers like Wi Seong-gon and Yoon Mi-hyang for echoing our sentiment and urge the Ministry of Agriculture to take swift and stringent measures, such as strict punishments and permit cancellations. Together, we can change the fate of thousands of innocent lives. Stand with us, and please support our mission by educating your friends and family. You can also help by donating, adopting, volunteering, or fostering!