This week, Humane World for Animals Canada (formerly Humane Society International/Canada) and Humane World Foundation Canada have welcomed 20 brave dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Cheongju, South Korea. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the organization’s global and Korean teams, these dogs have escaped a life of cruelty and are now beginning a new chapter filled with hope.
These dogs will receive critical veterinary services, customized behavioural therapy, love and attention at the organization’s care and rehabilitation centre (CCRC) near Montreal. The CCRC is one of the only facilities in Canada equipped to help severely traumatized dogs. There, safe from the abuse, suffering and neglect they have experienced, they can recover so they are able to be adopted by loving families.
The rescue took place on May 8 after local authorities permanently shut down the farm due to cruelty violations and called on Humane World for Animals to step in. In total, 67 dogs were saved from this horrific situation.
South Korea is making historic progress by phasing out its dog meat industry following a full ban passed by the National Assembly in 2024, set to take effect in 2027. While around 1,500 dog meat farms still operate, closures are happening more rapidly as the ban approaches, marking a turning point for animal welfare in the country.
“These poor dogs have endured lives of immense suffering, confined in barren cages while waiting to be slaughtered for human consumption. Now, for the first time, they will receive the specialized care and love they so urgently need. Our expert team has extensive experience working with dogs rescued from similar situations of cruelty and we can’t wait to help these dogs begin their journey to recovery”, said Ewa Demianowicz, Program Director for Humane World for Animals Canada.
Since the ban’s introduction in January 2024, nearly 40% of dog meat farms in South Korea have closed, with the Ministry of Agriculture expecting that number to reach 60% by the end of 2025. Many farmers are choosing to retire or transition to new livelihoods with government support.
Humane World for Animals has been a key force behind this transformation through its Models for Change program, launched in 2015. This initiative laid the groundwork for the 2024 ban and has helped permanently close 18 dog meat farms while rescuing more than 2,700 dogs. Over 750 of these rescued dogs have found loving homes in Canada, offering a powerful testament to what compassionate action can achieve.