Rescue in Cheongju, South Korea

One of the world’s leading animal protection charities, we are active in more than 50 countries, driving positive change for animals for almost 30 years. Humane World for Animals is approved by the Better Business Bureau for all 20 standards for charity accountability. Through our rescue efforts, disaster response, veterinary clinics and our work empowering local organizations, we serve a critical and expanding role in tackling animal suffering all over the world.

Thanks in large part to the years of campaigning and lobbying by Humane World for Animals Korea and other Korean groups, in January 2024 the National Assembly of South Korea passed a Special Act, a legislative ban on the dog meat industry that will see dog farming, slaughtering and dog meat sales phased out by 2027. This is a huge victory for our animal protection advocacy. 

Dog farm, restaurant and slaughterhouse owners have submitted their closure plans to the authorities as the legislation provides for government support to help transition businesses to alternative livelihoods. We are proud that Humane World for Animals Korea’s Models for Change dog farm closure and transition program succeeded in providing a blueprint for change in the legislation.

We believe that all suffering matters and we campaign around the world on behalf of all animals who suffer for the food industry, not just dogs but pigs, cows, sheep, chickens and many more. We expose the cruelty of all forms of factory farming, campaign for that cruelty to end, and encourage a global transition to more compassionate plant-based food choices promoting meat-free & dairy-free eating to protect animal welfare, human health and the planet.

Although we can’t stop the suffering of all animals for the food industry overnight, we shouldn’t use the suffering of pigs or chickens in one country as an excuse for inaction to stop the suffering of dogs and cats in another country. We recognise that humans have developed a particularly special bond with dogs and cats and as a result there is widespread support—including across Asia—for the killing of dogs and cats for meat to end. By working with that momentum for change, we are able to make a difference now to the lives of millions of dogs and cats, while at the same time advocating for compassion towards all animals.

Most Koreans don’t view dog meat as Korean culture at all. It’s a habit of a small minority of society but it doesn’t define the nation. It is important not to misrepresent this as a West versus East issue because that does an enormous disservice to the extremely passionate campaign by South Koreans themselves for an end to the dog meat industry. It is public and political disgust at the dog meat industry that has created the opportunity for this legislation to ban it. Change has come from within South Korea and Humane World for Animals’ Korean team has been proud to have played a key part in that change.

The dogs rescued from this situation will first spend time at our care and rehabilitation center before they are placed with our Shelter and Rescue Partners to begin their journey toward adoption. Please note that Humane World for Animals is not directly involved in the adoption process and is unable to facilitate individual adoptions. This is carried out by our Shelter and Rescue Partners.

There is a very low adoption culture in South Korea, especially for breeds like Jindo mixes and Tosa dogs, which are often associated with the dog meat industry. Without opportunities for rehoming abroad, many of these dogs would face euthanasia. When it comes to animal suffering, geography should not be a barrier. What truly matters is that these dogs are in urgent need of help and we are fortunate to be in a position to offer them a second chance.

Importantly, this support should never come at the expense of local dogs abroad. In fact, many of our partner shelters in the U.S. and Canada report that taking in a small number of dogs from South Korea often leads to increased adoption inquiries for all of their animals. In this way, our Korean rescues are not only finding new lives, they’re helping their fellow shelter dogs find homes too.

These dogs also serve as powerful ambassadors. Their stories raise awareness about the dog meat industry and inspire compassion and action. Their happy endings help build public support for further bans and protections across Asia.

Humane World for Animals works across Asia to tackle the cruel and dangerous dog and cat meat trade. Our primary focus is on South Korea, China, India, Indonesia and Viet Nam where our programs combine animal rescue with lobbying politicians for changes in the law, working with dog and cat meat business to support their transition to new humane livelihoods as well as community awareness work about the dangers of rabies and other deadly diseases spread by the trade.

If you have any questions that weren’t answered above or by searching our website, please send an email message to info@humaneworld.org and we will respond as soon as possible.