Over 80 adoptable dogs to be euthanized

The shelter in Daejeon is not publicly financed, nor is it safe from collapse. By the end of June 2008, the shelter is scheduled to be closed and the animals will be left with little hope. The dog's fate will be a ten day stay in a government shelter only to end in death.

An organization of animal lovers, Animal Rescue Korea, has dedicated time and money to help keep these animals away from harm. With ARK's help, all the dogs have been able to be spayed, neutered, and vaccinated.

Over 80 dogs are currently housed in an extended greenhouse. The attention starved, adoptable dogs stand to lose their lives in less than a month unless something is done to save the shelter.

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The Ministry of Agriculture defines dogs and cats as pets, not livestock. Many Koreans claim that the right to eat dog meat is a matter of cultural pride stemming from a century's old tradition. It is believed, however, that the habit of eating dogs gained prevalence after the Korean War due to widespread starvation. It grew in popularity after reconstruction because dog dealers and restaurants began to fabricate health benefits derived from eating dog meat. In reality, the trade in dog meat has more to do with greed and profits rather than any sort of tradition.

It is estimated that more than 2 million dogs are killed and consumed in South Korea every year, and with each dog fetching the equivalent of US $250, it is a lucrative industry protected by powerful corporate interests.

Though killing and eating dogs is illegal in South Korea, enforcing the laws are difficult due to influences of powerful dog meat lobbyists, as well as government officials who are themselves dog eaters. Though it is still a minority of Koreans who eat dogs, it is nevertheless practiced by some of the most powerful people in society.

Whether it is the perception of canines as livestock or the general newness of animal rights, Korea is lacking a system that takes responsibility for the nation's abandoned animals. Koreans seem to believe that protecting and caring for abandoned animals is someone else's problem, not their own. As a country that is striving to recover and develop into a global force, animal welfare and rights cannot be swept under the rug. This underbelly of neglect has to stop. People must look at the suffering images of this nation's helpless animals and do what they know is right.

The first step in rectifying the injustices being done to animals, both in Korea and world wide, is to adopt an active attitude towards animal welfare. Not only do people need to care, they have to actually contribute physically. The passive attitude of Korea towards animal welfare has fostered an environment where such irresponsibility can thrive. By voicing concerns about caring for abandoned animals to public officials, Korea can begin the long road towards a more human, animal friendly society