Urgent: Mass Rescue of Breeding Dogs Exposes Cruelty in South Korea – Calls for ‘Lucy’s Law’ Intensify
Seoul, South Korea – July 25, 2024 – A wave of outrage is sweeping across South Korea following the recent rescue of over 500 breeding dogs from appalling conditions in facilities across the country. The discoveries, including a legal breeding plant in Incheon’s Ganghwa-do, have reignited the debate surrounding animal welfare and fueled growing calls for the enactment of a law mirroring the UK’s ‘Lucy’s Law’ – a measure aimed at ending puppy farming and prioritizing animal wellbeing.
Rescued dogs at the Ganghwa breeding facility. (Image provided by Lucy’s Friends)
Horrific Conditions Unveiled: From Legal Facilities to ‘Dog Factories’
On July 24th, authorities and animal welfare groups, led by the coalition ‘Lucy’s Friends,’ rescued 300 dogs from a breeding plant in Ganghwa-do. Shockingly, despite being a legally registered facility, the conditions were described as “total animal abuse” – dogs were confined in spaces filled with feces, deprived of water, and suffering from severe neglect and injury. This rescue follows a similar operation in September 2023, where 1420 dogs were rescued from an unlicensed facility in Hwaseong, and adds to a growing list of disturbing discoveries.
The Hwaseong facility reportedly crammed 15 dogs into a single 3.3 square meter space. Even more disturbing, reports indicate that live mother dogs were subjected to abdominal incisions to expedite puppy extraction. These revelations highlight a systemic problem within South Korea’s pet breeding industry, where profit often trumps animal welfare.
The Dark Side of the ‘Trendy Breed’ Demand
Experts point to the high demand for “trendy breed” dogs as a key driver of these inhumane practices. Loopholes in regulations allow breeders to operate with minimal oversight, leading to mass production and a disregard for the animals’ physical and emotional wellbeing. The current permit system, while intended to improve standards, is easily circumvented, and enforcement remains lax.
“The fundamental problem is a system that allows you to buy and sell animals,” explains Shim In-seop, CEO of Animal Protection Group. “The current law states that dogs and cats under two months cannot be sold, but the more beautiful and smaller the sale, the better the animals that are about 40 days.” This practice fuels a cycle of abuse, with dogs often forced to endure multiple pregnancies annually and discarded when they are no longer profitable.
The Role of Animal Auctions: A ‘Cartel of Exploitation’
Adding another layer to the problem, animal auctions play a significant role in the distribution of these dogs. These auctions, often operating with minimal transparency, facilitate the trade of puppies to pet shops and individual buyers. Critics describe the auction system as a “cartel of exploitation,” with commissions reaching as high as 11% per transaction.
“Auctions are taken two or three times a week, and baby animals produced at 2000 productions are driven to 18 auctions,” says Shin Joo-un, team leader at Kara Policy Team. “Some auctions take 11% commissions per mari every time they are traded.” These auctions also contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, as dogs from various breeding facilities are brought together in close proximity.
‘Lucy’s Law’ as a Potential Solution
Inspired by the success of the UK’s ‘Lucy’s Law,’ animal welfare advocates in South Korea are pushing for similar legislation. The proposed ‘Korean Lucy Act’ would prohibit the sale of puppies and kittens under six months of age and restrict breeding to professional breeders with limited litters. Crucially, it would outlaw ‘third-party deals’ – the practice of selling animals through pet shops and auctions.
Germany already employs strict regulations regarding breeding facility size and requires breeders to obtain national certification. These measures demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare that is currently lacking in South Korea. A previous attempt to introduce similar legislation in the National Assembly in November 2023 was unfortunately discarded, but a new bill is currently being prepared.
The recent rescues serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive animal welfare reform in South Korea. While enacting legislation is a crucial step, effective implementation and rigorous monitoring are equally important. The future wellbeing of countless animals depends on it.
As the debate intensifies, animal welfare organizations are urging the public to consider adoption from shelters and rescue groups rather than supporting breeders. By choosing adoption, you can help break the cycle of abuse and give a deserving animal a loving home. Stay updated on this developing story and learn how you can contribute to a more compassionate future for animals at archyde.com.
