South Korea Passes a Historic Ban on Dog Meat and Farming

Early this year, the South Korean Parliament passed a ban on the sale and farming of dogs for consumption. Starting in 2027, the Dog Consumption Prohibition Act prohibits raising, breeding, transportation, and slaughtering dogs for consumption or distributing and selling food products prepared or processed using dogs as raw materials. The law includes provisions for compensation to farmers and other businesses, with extra financial incentives included if they transition before the 3-year grace period ends in February 2027. Regrettably, dogs will suffer another 3 years of slaughtering and cruelty. Violators who slaughter a dog for meat are subject to imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of 30 million won (roughly $22,000) and those who breed dogs for meat or sell dog meat face imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine of up to 20 million won (roughly $15,000). Some farmers and other dog meat supporters are still challenging the ruling, which they claim is unconstitutional and infringes on a person’s right to choose their occupation and food. We will see how things progress over the coming year. Despite the challenges, we remain hopeful for the future. We are optimistic about this transition’s potential and its positive impact on animal welfare in Korea.

This year, IAKA continued to assist with spay/neuter surgeries and medical expenses for several rescue shelters. Some of these shelters have also been extremely busy finishing up construction on new shelters or remodeling their current facilities. All of the shelters have been busy rescuing animals and adopting them out, mostly to foreign countries in Europe, the US, and Canada.

As always, I am so thankful for your continued support over the years. This 2024 Winter newsletter will be IAKA’s last printed newsletter, but we will continue to operate our website and support a few, carefully selected, struggling shelters to aid with spay/neuter and medical expenses for as long as we are able.

Wishing all of our supporters Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

Kyenan Kum, IAKA Founder

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Hug Me Shelter

Hug Me Shelter has been busy preparing a new shelter facility and, earlier in the year, also received government certification for status as a non-profit organization. Dogs rescued by Hug Me Shelter this year were mainly from dog meat farms and animal hoarders. Many of these dogs were adopted by dog-loving people in Europe, the US, Canada. A few also found loving homes in Korea (big dogs are currently not as popular for pets there).

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If you are interested, donate to Hug Me Shelter:
https://www.facebook.com/hugmeshelter | PayPal: hug-me-shelter@naver.com

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Rebel Rescue South Korea

Hug Me Shelter has been busy preparing a new shelter facility and, earlier in the year, also received government certification for status as a non-profit organization. Dogs rescued by Hug Me Shelter this year were mainly from dog meat farms and animal hoarders. Many of these dogs were adopted by dog-loving people in Europe, the US, Canada. A few also found loving homes in Korea (big dogs are currently not as popular for pets there).

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Rebel Rescue has been busy this year working on a brand new shelter. They have secured a location, paid the deposit, started construction and, as of September, begun constructing the kennels and installing new flooring. The current plan is to build kennels for up to 30 dogs as well as two cat rooms for their feline rescues. The new shelter will have offices, storage, laundry facilities, and restrooms for the volunteers. The plans also include three large play areas for the animals, which Rebel Rescue also hopes to use for community events and public engagement. The new location is much closer to Camp Humphreys Base in Pyeongtaek and the hope is that it will bring in more expat and military volunteers and also facilitate more international adoptions.
Rebel Rescue has set up a GoFundMe, as their construction costs are estimated to be about 50,000,000 KRW. We appreciate any support you can give to them directly. They have already paid 20,000,000 KRW (approximately US$15,000 as a deposit for the facilities and have only raised approximately 27,000,000 KRW(approximately US$20,000) additional to start construction. They urgently need to finish the construction so they can move their dogs and cats before winter begins.

Included below are ways to donate:
PayPal: rebelrescuesk@gmail.com

Cupid’s Story

Cupid was found last winter lying next to the road after being hit by a car. He was rushed to the nearest animal hospital by a kind animal-lover – but his chances were slim. After multiple surgeries and the support of a great many Rebel Rescue volunteers, Cupid pulled through. Unfortunately he had permanently lost the use of his hind legs. His medical expenses were daunting but Rebel Rescue organized several campaigns, including Valentine’s Day Grams (hence his name), to rally the community behind him. He received several donations and was even gifted a custom wheelchair. Throughout it all Cupid never lost his cheerful demeanor and found joy in the companionship of the other dogs and cats in his foster home. He always seemed to become each new rescue’s best friend. He was eventually adopted by a family who saw beyond his physical limitations and fell head over heels for him. Cupid’s journey has been one of resilience, love, and community.

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Bodie’s Story

Bodie was left in a kennel outside of Rebel Rescue in March of this year. At the time he was just a frightened, cold puppy but as he adapted to shelter life, he became playful and curious, finding joy in simple pleasures

like toys, furry friends, and sunny spots.Rebel Rescue volunteers quickly fell in love with him. He amused them all with his puppy antics and even made friends with Wilbur, who is one of Rebel Rescue’s more selective residents. Bodie was fostered by Ali, a trainer who works with Rebel Rescue animals in order to prepare him for life in a permanent home. He was adopted by

a family in Germany and as the Rebel Rescue staff prepare him for his big journey, they have also been reflecting on the bonds created with him. Though Bodie will be missed, they find comfort in knowing he will spread joy to his new family!

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