Target: Kristen Donmoyer, Director of Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement
Goal: Investigate licensing of shelter that allegedly neglects and mishandles animals under its care.
Protests mounted, drawing national attention, as the planned death date of a Pennsylvania shelter dog neared. Community members, current and former volunteers at the Humane Society of Harrisburg, and even lawmakers urged the society to reverse its decision to euthanize Pursuit, its longest-standing canine. As the hour drew closer, word emerged that a volunteer had removed Pursuit from the shelter. A theft complaint was reportedly filed by the humane society a short time later. In the end, this animal’s life was saved, but his plight highlights what employees apparently say are still-lingering problems within the shelter.
The society claims that the decision to euthanize Pursuit was made after a series of behavioral issues that supposedly made him un-adoptable. Volunteers acknowledge that this animal did need special care, but his issues were reportedly exacerbated by the lack of time he and other on-site animals were able to spend outdoors or going for walks. Some volunteers even claim that Pursuit was completely isolated and cut off from contact with them when his story was made public to the press. Moreover, overtures from entities interested in caring for Pursuit were seemingly ignored. And former employees have alleged a pattern of similar animal mishandling dating back years, leading to the resignation of these individuals.
Sign the petition below to compel an investigation into a charitable organization that may not be putting the welfare of its charges first.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Donmoyer,
The planned euthanizing of a Humane Society of Harrisburg dog grabbed national attention and launched passionate protests. While Pursuit, the animal at the center of the debate, is still alive, his situation raises serious questions about his former habitat. The shelter contends that its decision was a last resort measure, but it reportedly rebuffed a recent attempt at adoption. Moreover, volunteers allege that this organization took retaliatory action against them and the dog after a story was published.
Perhaps most troubling are the accusations from present and former employees that a lack of critical stimulation for the animals in this shelter have contributed greatly to any behavioral issues. As caretakers of vulnerable living beings, shelters shoulder an important responsibility that cannot be dismissed. And as a license-granter and overseer of these shelters, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement has a responsibility to ensure that the animals receive the best and most humane care.
Please undertake a strong evaluation of this shelter and take the necessary measures to rectify any violations of these critical responsibilities.
Target: Michelle Cooley, Founder and President of Kaaawa K9 Rescue
Goal: Ensure health and safety of rescue animals at seemingly neglectful facility.
Five dogs allegedly had to be saved from a “rescue” facility in Hawaii. The Hawaii Humane Society took custody of the dogs from Kaaawa K9 Rescue after abuse allegations were made online and to local authorities about the organization. The accusations stated that animals were in poor health and possibly being neglected.
The owner of Kaaawa K9 Rescue claims the issues are due to a landlord dispute and a recent alleged arson on the property. While the local humane society found no outright evidence of abuse, the fact that they felt compelled to remove nearly half a dozen animals from a property charged with the care of these animals is disturbing. Even the owner herself reportedly admits difficulty in keeping up with care of these animals.
Sign the petition below to urge closure of an aid facility that has seemingly become a danger itself.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Ms. Cooley,
No matter the source of your recent troubles with Kaaawa K9 Rescue, you have reportedly admitted that these issues are impeding your ability to care for at-risk animals. The mission of a rescue organization should always put the vulnerable living beings under its care first. Please honor this mission.
Close Kaawa until this organization can live up to its billing.
An important dog rescue organization in South Korea has suffered a devastating loss. This August, a terrible fire broke out at Jindo Love Rescue, which saves dogs from the country’s dog meat trade. The fire tragically killed thirteen dogs, with many others wounded and missing. Now the organization has 60 dogs in their care who need shelter, food, medical attention and love. On top of that, the entire rescue center needs to be rebuilt. We must support Jindo Love Rescue and help the amazing organization get back on its feet!
Sign now to demand the South Korean government provide funding to help rebuild this foster center and help dogs affected by the fire!
The cause of the fire is unknown, but the impacts have been devastating. There are dozens of dogs who need immediate veterinary care and attention, and the entire building has been destroyed.
The South Korean government — including President Yoon Suk-yeol — have been promising to move forward with ending dog meat consumption in the country for years. There is even a 2018 law on the books that technically makes the slaughter of dogs and cats illegal, t but every year, many dogs are still slaughtered. And one of the crucial ways South Korea must step up and protect the innocent dogs who are horrifically killed in the practice is by supporting organizations like Jindo Love Rescue, who care for dogs rescued from the illegal dog meat trade.
In the past 5 years alone, Jindo Love Rescue has teamed up with In Defense of Animals to save over 700 dogs from the meat trade and place them in forever homes. Clearly this amazing organization needs all the support it can get after such a tragic event. If you want to donate and support the rebuilding and immediate veterinary efforts, you can do so by clicking here. Make sure to also sign the petition now to tell the South Korean government: step up and support Jindo Love Rescue now! We must protect dogs and protect the vital organizations that shelter and care for them!
Target: Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States
Goal: Demand increased funding for local animal shelters in the wake of overcrowding.
Animal shelters across the United States are in trouble. In the midst of illegal or irresponsible breeding, the eviction crisis, and rising rates of inflation, dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens are being brought into shelters at alarmingly rapid paces. These shelters are extremely overwhelmed and understaffed, with more animals coming in than they have the resources to care for.
As a result, shelters are having to make difficult decisions. Animals are being turned down, forcing owners to choose either to continue to try and care for the pet themselves or abandon it somewhere outside. Many shelters that have long operated on no-kill policies have been forced to move towards euthanasia, as they simply do not have the means by which to support such high quantities of animals. As a lot of the surrendered dogs and cats were family pets, they are highly adoptable and would make great additions to any home if only given adequate time to find one.
These shelters need our help, and fast. Sign this petition to demand increased funding for animal shelters across the U.S. and to help them in their amazing efforts to save the nation’s dogs and cats.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Biden,
Animal shelters throughout the U.S. are in the midst of a crisis. Economic hardships brought about by the pandemic, irresponsible pet ownership, illegal breeding, and the rising costs of living have all contributed to the mass influx of pets surrendered to local shelters. Most of the shelters do not have the resources to care for all these dogs and cats on their own–they are significantly understaffed, overworked, and running out of money. Many shelters that had run on no-kill policies have had to turn towards euthanasia, as they simply cannot afford to care for all of the animals in their possession.
We are asking you, Mr. Biden, to help save dogs and cats during these trying times and increase funding to local animal shelters. These animals deserve a loving home.
Our goal is to bring positive change to AHS Newark Animal Shelter. Animals there are being neglected, abused and suffering. Health code violations are EVERYWHERE. Disease is spreading. Uneducated shelter staff and volunteers are unknowingly endangering the lives of animals in their care. Adequate Medical treatment is not being provided to animals in need. Adoptions are being made that place animals in unsafe homes and situations, resulting in many returns or people simply abandoning animals. Indoor kennel temperatures are soaring near 90 degrees while pigeons spread disease throughout the building. Donations continue to be accepted with no explanation for where the money is going.
We hope with the support of our community we can push for an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and Health Department.
The dog picture in this photo is Chloe, she arrived at AHS Newark in need of immediate medical care, which she was denied. By the time shelter eventually got her help it was too late and she died. Unfortunately, she is just one of many.
**I would like to clarify that this is in no way directed at or placing blame on any of the shelter volunteers. This problem starts at the very top. To those you dedicate their time volunteering at this shelter, we support and thank you!
Lady Freethinker is opening its Urgent Need Fund for the second year in a row — an exciting grant opportunity to connect organizations helping animals with the financial support they need.
The program is open to registered nonprofits working on projects to rescue or care for animals or to raise awareness to improve the way animals are treated. This compassionate action could involve providing needed medical care, food, or housing for animals, or humane education programs.
Last year, Lady Freethinker awarded more than a cumulative $75,000 to a variety of organizations, including a safe haven for farmed animals, a therapeutic nonprofit that connected rescued animals to youth with trauma for mutual healing, and small dog and cat rescues.
This year, applicants are eligible to receive up to a maximum $10,000 to carry out their caring work.
To be eligible for the program, you must be:
Registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the U.S. or registered as an NGO in your country;
Established for at least 2 years;
Able to provide your most current Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or other NGO reporting form (if you are outside of the United States).
In order to complete the application, you’ll also need to provide an overview of your organization and your mission, a link to your organization’s website, a description of the specific project that the award would fund, and documentation of your organization’s tax-exempt status.
Grant applications are due by Sept. 23, 2022. Awards will be decided by Nov. 23, 2022.
You can apply here. Please send any questions about the Urgent Need Fund to: grants@ladyfreethinker.org.
Two L.A. city councilmen called Friday for more resources for the city’s struggling animal shelters following a Times article about crowded kennels, shelter dogs that go for weeks without walks and staffing shortages.
“Angelenos deserve the services we pay for,” said City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, whose South L.A. district includes Chesterfield Square Animal Services Center. “We expect animals to be treated humanely and require the city to do better.”
Chesterfield Square is the most crowded of the city’s six animal shelters and houses some 300 dogs, some of whom face long confinement periods. The city relies on hundreds of unpaid volunteers to walk and exercise the dogs, but volunteers say that they can’t keep up with the influx of animals.
At the same time, staffing shortages are hurting the department. Animal Services lost more than 20% of its workforce through a program that encouraged older city employees to retire. It was launched in the first year of the pandemic in 2020 when it wasn’t clear that federal funding would be available.
Today, staff at Animal Services are frequently absent because of COVID-19-related issues, staff and volunteers told The Times.
Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who represents the west San Fernando Valley, said he was “horrified” to read about conditions at the shelters. “My heart breaks for the animals,” said Blumenfield, who said his family has both fostered and adopted shelter dogs.
Blumenfield questioned why more “red flags” weren’t raised about the shelter’s challenges.
Yet, members of the public regularly call into meetings of the Los Angeles Animal Services Commission, which is made up of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s appointees, to complain about conditions at the shelters, including the dogs’ long confinement.
And in May, an employee at the city’s San Pedro shelter emailed supervisors to alert them to overcrowding issues, including dogs that were being housed in shower stalls and in wildlife cages.
“We should be able to deal with this as a city,” Blumenfield said. “We have the resources and we have the know-how.”
He said the city shouldn’t be in a position where its dogs “are kept in shower stalls and not having walks.”
Blumenfield, who was critical at the time of the city’s retirement program because he feared a big loss in staff, also said the department needs more employees and better technology make it easier for the public to volunteer and adopt animals.
Animal Services’ interim general manager Annette Ramirez said in an interview last month that a new website will launch soon.
Harris-Dawson also said the neighborhood around the shelter “is filled with folks who love pets and are willing to give their time to turn the situation around. If Animal Services engages with the local community, they will show up.”
KTLA reported Thursday that Claudio Kusnier, a volunteer at the West Valley shelter, was suspended after he talked to the news outlet about conditions at the shelter.
Kusnier told KTLA that the shelters need to stay open past 5 p.m. so more people can volunteer. At one point — Kusnier was also interviewed after the suspension — he blamed department “mismanagement” for the loss of two key staff members who recently left. Both of those staffers are now working at other animal services agencies.
Jean Sarfaty, a former 911 city operator who volunteers at the West Valley shelter, told The Times that she was also suspended after talking to the media on Thursday. She said she was told she was suspended because she gave an interview without permission. She was wearing an Animal Services t-shirt at the time, too.
“I didn’t say anything negative,” Sarfaty said. “I said that the city employees work hard and that volunteers help to do the things that the city workers aren’t doing because they don’t have time.” The Times was not immediately able to get a comment from Animal Services about Sarfaty’s account.
Agnes Sibal, a spokesperson for Los Angeles Animal Services, said the department doesn’t comment on “staffing-related or personnel issues.”
Speaking generally about volunteer interviews, Sibal said volunteers need department approval prior to speaking to the media “when they are going to speak and represent the department [as a volunteer] to the media.”
Sibal also appeared on CBS2 this week and said that the dogs receive care, although some may not be walked for weeks.
“All the dogs in our shelters actually get daily enrichments,” Sibal told the news station. “That doesn’t necessarily mean that they get walked every day. However, they do get some form of exercise and interaction with volunteers or staff.”
Asked what exercise the dogs get every day, Sibal told The Times the animals get enrichment activities.
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“Dogs receive exercise through canine enrichment by engaging them in activities designed to stimulate their mind while also keeping them active,” Sibal said.
“Enrichment activities happen daily and vary day by day and may be outdoors via playtime in the yards or walks, or in their kennels, when they get their daily treats from staff/volunteers; receive Kong toys with treats inside; or when they enjoy frozen treats during hot weather,” Sibal said.
Other activities include blowing bubbles for dogs to pop and chase and reading to the animals, Sibal said.
She also said that city staff’s enrichment activities may not be reflected in any logs.
Former Animal Services supervisor Thomas Kalinowski, one of the staff who recently left the department, said that he personally interacted with dogs that hadn’t been out of their kennels in weeks or months.
Mike Long, communications director for SEIU 721, which represents some Animal Services workers, said Friday that “more animals will continue to suffer” if the city doesn’t act.
“We have to face facts — we need more dollars for staff and facilities because clearly, relying on the good will of volunteers and on private, one-time donations from pet-loving celebrities alone just isn’t enough,” Long said.
City Councilman Paul Koretz, who chairs a committee overseeing animal issues, has scheduled an emergency committee meeting next week to discuss conditions at the shelters.
A royal marine veteran named Paul Farthing founded the animal sanctuary and charity Nowzad in Kabul, Afghanistan fifteen years ago, rescuing stray dogs and cats, companion animals, working equines, abused donkeys, and many other animals in need of care and attention. Paul, his staff, and all their animals are now at risk of being captured and punished by the Taliban Regime that has taken power in the capital city.
Act now and urge the UK government to assist in the removal and transport of these people and animals back to the United Kingdom and to safety!
This ex-serviceman and his staff have given so much to this country, its people, and animals, only to have their freedoms ripped away as the Taliban invade. The mission of this charity was to help, but now the UK Government is turning its back and not assisting this amazing man and his charity to get to safety. The staff at the Nowzad sanctuary don’t fall under the two existing schemes for interpreters and British Government workers, which may mean that they could be abandonded in Kabul, with the female vets being taken hostage, made to marry and live out the rest of their days living at home, never being allowed to leave and having children with someone they hate.
There were many British soldiers who faught and died in Afghanistan for the freedom of the people including Paul Farthing and now the world is seeing the freedom, dreams, aspirations, and hopes of the people living here being once again ripped away. The British Government needs to take action and help Paul, his staff and his animals find safety in the United Kingdom.
Sign now and tell the UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to take immediately action and help this ex-serviceman, his staff, and his animals seek refuge in the United Kingdom!
For the first time in 25 years, we had the honor of participating in the annual #RoseParade. We hope you enjoyed our float as much as we enjoyed creating and sharing it with you. pic.twitter.com/CV7qs3MkEE
— San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (@sandiegozoo) January 1, 2022
What an incredible day for @SanDiegoZoo Wildlife Alliance and conservation at the 133rd Rose Parade! Thanks to all who made today possible and creating such an incredible float to represent our work. pic.twitter.com/Z6MGFsL7Yj
Grab some tissue because the ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Generous program just announced the winners of the ‘Unsung Heroes’ Awards and shared several inspiring stories of staff and volunteers who go above and beyond to care for purrfectly impurrfect cats at cat welfare organizations.
As for prizes, a total of $30,000 will be donated to the winning shelters, plus each unsung hero will receive a year’s supply of ARM & HAMMER™ cat litter. The campaign ran from October 29 – November 20, 2021 and brought in nearly 4,500 nominations from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Alaska.
“Purrfectly impurrfect cats are often overlooked for adoption due to their age, illness, appearance or misunderstood personalities so the Unsung Heroes Awards were designed to honor the staff and volunteers at shelters who work behind the scenes performing miracles to make sure these cats have their physical, medical and emotional needs met,” said Pam Johnson-Bennett, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant. “My fellow expert judges and I had the impossible task of selecting the winners from the thousands of wonderful nominations and we’re proud to share the incredible stories of our unsung heroes.”
Here are the 2021 Unsung Heroes Awards winners.
AdvoCAT of the Year Award (Prize: $15,000)—A staff or volunteer who exemplified BOTH compassion and creativity towards purrfectly impurrfect shelter cats and served as an outstanding advoCAT for this cause beyond their shelter.
“Kris fosters disabled kittens, many of whom have moderate to severe cerebellar hypoplasia (aka CH, and aka wobbly kitten syndrome). She doesn’t just take care of disabled cats, but she helps them thrive and live their very best lives. Specifically, she has been fostering a disabled cat named Snapple. He has CH and other neurological and physical disorders. His front paws are bent and have limited movement, so he is unable to walk without assistance. His CH has his head wobbling the majority of the time, so eating can be very difficult. Her creativity in helping him overcome his walking and eating challenges are stellar: She got him a cart to allow him to move around more independently and build strength in his back legs. In his cart, he runs around like a sweet little rocket. Aside from the cart, he is sometimes carried in a comfortable sling on Kris’s chest or belly, so Kris can get work done while keeping Snapple engaged and monitored.
She also created some imaginative eating set-ups for Snapple and other severely wobbly cats to help them eat: the set-up is much like a small horse stable or corral, with walls to keep the cats from falling side to side, and also some padding up front to steady their heads and keep them from face-planting in their food. She keeps some wonderful Instagram accounts (@tuxonwheels) to document the progress of specific foster cats, highlighting the importance of caring for and loving disabled cats, and teaching her followers how to creatively support such kitties. She is making it more attainable for disabled cats to find loving homes by destigmatizing and demystifying what their lives are like. As a pet parent to a mildly CH cat myself, I am in awe of her epic compassion and creativity.”
Compassion Award (Prize: $7,500)—A staff or volunteer who showed tenderness, patience and extra care to purrfectly impurrfect cats to make sure they received specialized comfort and attention.
“91 cats and kittens were in an abandoned trailer. Erin, the manager of DVHS, got the call and brought together two other shelters to help since DVHS is a small shelter in upstate New York and did not have the capacity to take in all the cats. These cats were sick, pregnant and scared. They had many health issues like upper respiratory and neurological problems, since they were inbred. Overwhelmed with grief for these poor cats, Erin did what she does best for them. She pampered the sick ones that would probably not survive. She held them dearly and spoke to them telling them that she would not leave their side. Many of the females had kittens shortly after arriving, and the mothers did not survive. Erin found nursing moms within her own shelter and through her Facebook page to give the kittens a chance. I watched Erin resuscitate kittens that were just born and never give up. The 91 cats were saved because of her efforts. The ones that lived were vetted, spayed and neutered and adopted.
There is also the story of Joe, an adult tomcat found by a woman on the side of the road hit by a car. She called Erin and brought that cat to DVHS. Paralyzed from his abdomen down to his legs and unable to walk. Joe was examined and the vet told Erin, if you work with him he will probably walk again. The staff and Erin, massaged him, wiped his butt and gave him free rein of the corridor. After three weeks Joe started wobbling. Then began walking like a pro. He was adopted by a local business and is the store mascot. Erin saves so many cats from horrific conditions and nurtures them until they are ready to find forever homes.”
Creativity (Prize: $7,500)—A staff or volunteer who executed the most creative solution to comfort a purrfectly impurrfect shelter cat or to find them a forever home.
“Ashley is one of those people with a special touch that catches and socializes feral cats to make them adoptable. She builds trust in the cat by being patient and caring. She is creative in finding new ways to communicate and reach these cats. She creates interactive games with the cats using toys or creating ramps/devices to assist the cats in becoming comfortable with staff. In the wobble baby room, she has helped to make it a safe environment that allows the cats to be free from injury but then takes them out on supervised runs through the shelter to ensure they are stimulated and active. The cats really seem to enjoy seeing other cats and areas of the building that they would not normally see due to their disability.
Ashley has a special bond with several of the special needs cats, but Reed is unique. Due to a severe injury, his back legs were removed. Every day he needs to have his bladder expressed and requires special bathing and play interaction. Ashley provides him with social interaction and physical therapy. He will have to live out his life at the shelter, but he knows he is loved and cared for on a daily basis. When there was a special needs transfer out of state, Ashley and her family made the trip out of her time and pocket to get the cat the care they needed. Ashley is a paid worker, but spends way more time than she could ever be paid for by taking cats home that need special care, coming in whenever needed and dropping things just to help out. Ashley has helped design and manage events to help raise funds and find new ways to help the cats and the clinic. Ashley also dedicates her free time outside of working at the shelter and helping cats in the community.”
“The ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Generous program is thrilled to congratulate all our 2021 Unsung Heroes Award recipients,” said Rebecca Blank, Group Brand Manager, ARM & HAMMER™ Pet Care. “The work that they each do day in and day out takes dedication, compassion, creativity and a huge advocat heart. With the enormous response we received in nominations we’ve decided to name four additional Honorable Mentions and each recipient will receive a year’s supply of ARM & HAMMER™ cat litter as well.”
When the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission reduced a two-year suspension to just 60 days for trainer Amber Cobb, who was found by Delaware Park’s board of stewards to have “demonstrated cruelty to a horse in her care,” the Paulick Report was besieged with messages of outrage and disgust from a wide array of people in Thoroughbred racing.
“I feel so sick,” one trainer commented after watching the video that accompanied Paulick Report editor-in-chief Natalie Voss’ story on the appeals hearing that led to the reduction of Cobb’s suspension. “That girl should never, ever be allowed near another horse. … I can’t remember watching a video I was more shocked at seeing ever in my life.”
Watch.
Contact the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission and demand they immediately revoke the training license of Amber Cobb for beating and terrorizing a racehorse. Simply suspending Cobb will not do — the time period…
👇🚨👇🚨👇@KSAnimalRescue "We are AmericansAfghans (led by women) ON THE GROUND in Kabul taking in dogs/cats left behind as people flee Need help so we can evacuate these 150+pets by cargo space/cargo plane Wont leave them" #OperationArk#weneedanark
Sorry guys I think that @richardbranson is a fake #Twitter address. If anyone is connected to #RichardBranson or knows anyone that is could they please contact him and ask him if he could provide a plane to bring @KSAnimalRescue to the UK from @Kabul?❤️
SAFE says since January, nine dogs have been killed and 395 dogs have been injured, including 54 with broken bones.
“Even one death is one too many. Between the deaths, injuries, and the recent doping scandal involving methamphetamine, we’re seriously concerned about the welfare of dogs in the racing industry,” Appelbe said.
“Grant Robertson needs to act now. Suspend racing and protect these dogs until the review is complete.”
In a statement, CEO of Greyhound Racing New Zealand Glenda Hughes says Sunday’s race “appears to be an outlier”.
“We continue to work on all aspects of our racing to ensure the safety of our dogs. We will be assessing all angles of the race day at Manukau to ascertain if there is any identifiable cause for Sunday as this appears to be an outlier.
“Over the last 4 months, we have had two euthanisations (one of which was Paris End in the Sunday Race) due to race day injuries in over 14873 starts. This is the equivalent of 10 starts per dog.”
To Interior Secretary Debra Haaland and Acting BLM Director Nada Culver:
We, the undersigned taxpayers, demand the termination of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Adoption Incentive Program (AIP), which is sending hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of federally-protected wild horses and burros into the slaughter pipeline.
As revealed by a New York Times expose’ prompted by an American Wild Horse Campaign, Evanescent Mustang Rescue, Skydog Ranch Sanctuary, and Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary investigation, adopters are collecting the $1,000 AIP payments, then sending the horses to slaughter auctions. These federally-protected animals are being purchased by kill buyers and shipped to slaughter plants in Mexico and Canada if not rescued. Additionally, the AIP is incentivizing adopters who lack the interest and skills to handle untrained and unhandled wild horses and burros, resulting in severe abuse and neglect of these animals.
Thousands of federally-protected wild horses and burros remain at risk. As a result, we urge you to:
Immediately suspend the AIP program and investigate the program.
Seek criminal prosecution of adopters who violated their contracts by “flipping” horses to slaughter auctions after receiving their AIP payments.
Hold the BLM and its employees accountable for placing wild horses and burros into high-risk situations, and failing to enforce the adoption contract that prohibits the sale of the animals for slaughter.
Redirect funding to humane and scientific fertility control, instead of the failed approach of roundup, removal and penning of these iconic symbols of the American West.
Pandemic puppies. When the kids go back to school and owners return to work and pup gets to spend his days in a crate. Just 7 months. Vacs not completed and not neutered. Blue now in a foster home. pic.twitter.com/rOtr9Xngl9
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Rebecca Shepherd in NewsLast updated 6:53 PM, Monday July 20 2020 GMT+1 3-4 minutes
An animal rights charity has shared shocking pictures of caged puppies in Korea as they urge people not take part in the tradition of eating the dog soup to cool them down during the hottest days of summer.
The charity, NoToDogMeat, says that some Koreans still maintain their tradition of eating boshintang, a Korean soup that includes dog meat as its primary ingredient.
Credit: Jam Press
The dogs used in the soup are typically found from dog farms, stray dogs or are people’s own pets that end up being brutally tortured.
NoToDogMeat is calling on all Koreans to boycott this practice and urge anyone taking part to think again.
Days of Bok (伏)/ Boknals, which mark the beginning, peak and the end of the dog-eating season according to the Chinese calendar, are traditionally in the summer when temperatures are at their hottest. This year the Boknals began on Sunday (19 July) and will end on 8 August.
Credit: Jam Press
NoToDogMeat CEO Julia de Cadenet said: “In previous years, our activists witnessed the horrors of Koreans feasting on dogs at the notorious Moran market.
“Dogs often with collars on staring out with pleading eyes and revellers selected them for slaughter. In 2012 we launched a UK Government petition to close this vile market, and in 2017 the mayor of Seoul ordered the dismantling of cages in this market and several others followed suit.
“For us, it signalled a true beginning of change as soon other markets started to close. Of course, dogs are still sold, and gruesome farms and abuse continue, but we saw progress.”
Credit: Jam Press
Protests containing their distinctive NoToDogMeat banners were also featured in Australian filmmakers movie The Dog Meat Professionals: South Korea.
In the film we see rows of dogs in cages at a dog farm. An interviewer asks an employee if the dogs are being kept for pets. He replies: “All these dogs are for dog meat soup. They are all raised to be eaten.”
Julia added: “Although Korea has not followed China’s recent move to tentatively declare dogs and cats as companion animals (so no longer livestock), there are many bye-laws in place that activists on the ground and internationally push to be enforced.
“So why aren’t these laws enforced? This is a question activists continue to raise to embassies and government officials, and right now in South Korea, there is a mass e-petition campaign.”
NoToDogMeat are currently supporting, among others, Korean Charity Kara, which organised a drive through protest four days ago with an overwhelmingly positive response.
Julia said her charity will be showing their support by taking to the streets on 23 July (Thursday) at 2-5pm at the South Korean Embassy in London followed by a walk to House of Parliament before they break for summer recess.
More than 70 dogs found languishing on a South Korean dog meat farm by Humane Society International (HSI)have been given a second chance by the farmer’s decision to quit the dog meat industry once and for all. Mr. Nakseon Kim has been breeding dogs for nearly 40 years, but decided to leave dog farming behind when HSI offered to help him start a new life growing cabbages and other vegetables instead.
Dogs are shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Saturday, February 8, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
Amid growing South Korean opposition to eating dogs and new regulations and court rulings cracking down on the industry, farmers like Kim are increasingly looking for an exit strategy.
The HSI Animal Rescue Team rescues a dog at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
“I don’t think there are many people in South Korea who are willing to run dog meat farms anymore. There is no future in this dog meat industry. Once HSI helps me close my dog farm, I think I will start to grow crops instead like lettuce, cabbage, or other greens to sell to restaurants,” Kim said in a statement.“That is a business with a future.”
The HSI Animal Rescue Team rescues a dog at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
Tragically, up to two million dogsa year are bred and raised on thousands of dog meat farms across South Korea.
Dogs are shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Saturday, February 8, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
On his property in Hongseong, Kim breeds tosas, Jindos, poodles, beagles, huskies, golden retrievers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Boston terriers for two abusive industries; the meat trade and the puppy mill trade.
Nara Kim, Campaign Manager of HSI Korea, pets a dog at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
In rows of dilapidated cages, surrounded by animal waste, junk, and garbage, some dogs are destined for the slaughterhouse, and others the unscrupulous puppy mill trade. Despite Korea’s dog meat industry attempting to claim a difference between pet dogs and “meat dogs,” they are all just dogs whose fate ultimately depends on where greatest profits can be made.
The HSI Animal Rescue Team rescues a dog at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
“Unfortunately, it is still very common in South Korea to witness live puppies for sale in pet shop windows. But, what most Koreans will be shocked to learn is that these same puppies could easily have ended up being killed for human consumption instead. Whether they live or die, they are all born in this miserable place, their mothers intensively bred over and over until they are exhausted and eventually sold to slaughterhouses,” stated Nara Kim, HSI/Korea’s dog meat campaigner. “I am so glad that this nightmare has ended for these lovely dogs, but until the government commits to phase out this dreadful industry, the nightmare continues for millions more. As Koreans, we need to be their voice and call for an end to the dog farming and dog meat industries.”
A dog is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Saturday, February 8, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
Marking the 16th dog farm that HSI has closed since its farmer transition program began in 2015, all the dogs will eventually be flown to partner shelters in Canada and the United States to seek adoptive homes.
The HSI Animal Rescue Team rescues puppies at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
First, they are being relocated to a temporary boarding facility in South Korea while the organization waits for COVID-19 travel restrictions to relax. Once safely off the farm, the dogs will immediately receive a full veterinary check-up and settle into their temporary quarters where they can begin their rehabilitation.
Nara Kim, Campaign Manager of HSI Korea, holds a puppy at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
Dog meat consumption has been steadily declining in South Korea, and is banned or severely restricted in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines.
The HSI Animal Rescue Team rescues a dog at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
In 2018 both Indonesia and Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi pledged an end to the dog meat trade, and most recently in April 2020, the Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai banned dog and cat meat consumption following a public statement by the Chinese government that dogs are considered companions and not livestock.
Nara Kim, Campaign Manager of HSI Korea, organizes the crates after the dogs were rescued at a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.
As global pressure builds for countries across Asia to permanently close wildlife wet markets amid coronavirus risks, the array of undeniable human health risks by the dog meat trade in South Korea and across Asia is strengthening calls for action to end the trade across the continent.
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