Ending the dog meat trade

Animal Welfare Program Director, Georgie Dolphin, recently returned from South Korea, where she witnessed firsthand the harrowing dog meat trade.

‘I had seen a lot of footage and photos from dog meat farms before,’ she said, ‘but I knew that when I saw it in person it would take me to a deeper understanding of just how much suffering the dogs go through.’ And she was right.

‘They were just so confined and neglected—that really hit hard. Dogs are full of energy, but they had no way to release it; they were just trapped in these cages, bouncing around inside them. …They were so desperate.’

An estimated 1,500 dog meat farms have been operating across South Korea, and after years of campaigning, our work contributed to a historic ban that will see an end to dog meat farming,
slaughtering and sales by 2027.

Humane World for Animals has rescued more than 2,700 dogs from dog farm closures across South Korea, utilising our Models for Change program, where we transition farmers to cruelty-free business and rescue the dogs.

Since the ban passed last year, the government estimates that around 40% of them have now permanently closed and that this will reach 60% by the end of 2025.

‘It broke my heart to see the suffering endured by the dogs and puppies on the Cheongju dog meat farm, but thanks to our generous supporters, we have been able to save them all. No dogs will ever have to live in fear in those tiny cages ever again—all the dogs and puppies are now receiving the care and unconditional love they truly deserve.’

We are so grateful for every single contribution to this rescue effort, and you can be rest assured that, thanks to your support, we will continue to campaign to eradicate this cruel trade in
Viet Nam, Indonesia, India and China.