Seoul, South Korea – Sixteen dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Cheongju last year have flown to Canada to begin their journey toward adoption. The move highlights a growing shift in public opinion in South Korea against dog meat consumption.

The rescued dogs — Stella, Butter, Cream, Sugar, Bean, Oak, Daisy, Bella, Stone, Luna, Archie, Ghost, Benny, Lily, Cody, Jack, and Shadow — were among almost 70 saved by Humane World for Animals Korea after authorities shut down the farm for illegal slaughter. Too young to fly at the time, they are now relocating to the charity’s Canadian facility to start new lives.

A recent survey commissioned by Humane World for Animals Korea shows overwhelming support for ending dog meat consumption. Ninety percent of respondents said they do not plan to eat dog meat in the future. Among previous consumers, 74% had not eaten dog meat in the past year, and 40% admitted they only ate it due to social pressure.

Sangkyung Lee, campaign manager at Humane World for Animals Korea, said: “Our new survey shows there is strong public support for and compliance with the end of dog meat consumption in South Korea.”

She added, “The public also clearly expects the government to take more responsibility for rescue efforts.”

“As we wave goodbye and good luck to the 16 rescued dogs on their adoption journey, it is sad to think that so many more beautiful dogs just like them could have had a chance of a happy life if only the government had proactively supported rescue.”

Upon arrival in Canada, all 16 dogs will receive care at Humane World for Animals’ facilities before being transferred to partner shelters for adoption. Since 2015, the organization has rescued nearly 2,800 dogs from South Korea’s dog meat farms and works across Asia to end the dog and cat meat trade.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download