Some 200 dogs are on their way to loving homes after Humane Society International/Korea closed its 18th dog meat farm in March. After nearly three decades in the business and with HSI’s support, Mr. Yang*—a dog meat farmer in Chungcheong province—will retire his business and transition to growing cabbages and other vegetables. HSI is preparing the dogs for adoption in the United States and Canada.
The most recent farm closure comes as South Korea considers a nationwide ban on the dog meat industry. First lady Kim Keon-hee has spoken out in support of a ban, noting in an interview that “Not consuming dog meat is ultimately an expression of respect for man’s best friend, and it also means respect for life.”
Sangkyung Lee, HSI/Korea’s campaign manager for ending the dog meat trade, is heartened by Mr. Yang’s desire to exit the industry. “Farmers like Mr. Yang are symbols of change in South Korea,” he says. “A new generation of animal lovers like me don’t wish to see this suffering continue.”
“There’s no future for the dog meat industry,” Mr. Yang told reporters during the closure.
*Mr. Yang asked to be identified by his last name only.
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