Over 70 Dogs Rescued from Dog Meat Farm in South Korea

More than 70 dogs, including puppies, were rescued from a dog meat farm in Gangjin, South Korea, following a report by local groups and Humane World for Animals Korea. The farm, operating in violation of the Animal Protection Act, housed dogs in barren cages under cruel conditions for an extended period.

Farmer Relinquishes Ownership, Commits to Ending Industry Involvement

Authorities obtained a signed statement from the farmer, an 80-year-old who took over the farm three years ago after the original owner’s cancer diagnosis, relinquishing ownership of the dogs and committing to cease operations within the dog meat industry. This rescue marks the end of Humane World for Animals’ large-scale dog meat farm operations in South Korea before the country’s industry ban takes effect in February 2027.

Dogs to Be Transported to the United States

The rescued dogs, primarily mixed breeds, have undergone necessary health checks and vaccinations and will primarily be transported to the U.S. in September. A smaller group of puppies will travel in February 2027 with their mothers, as they are too young for the initial flight.

Background

The farm previously housed up to 1,000 dogs and often featured empty cages, reflecting the scale of the operation. Many dogs were found wearing collars, suggesting they were relinquished by previous owners. Unwanted dogs were frequently sourced from neighbors and locals, contributing to the diverse breed mix.