SEOUL―Seven Tosa dogs―the sole survivors of a devastating wildfire that destroyed a dog meat farm in Andong, Gyeongbuk Province in South Korea where almost 700 dogs burned to death―have been flown to safety in the United States thanks to Humane World for Animals Korea, formerly known as Humane Society International.
Guwon, Gudol and Howoo all suffered burns to their face, back, paws and other areas. Wondo, Samdo and Sado were rescued by local campaign coalition Lucy’s Friends in an emaciated state and Yido has been left very timid from his ordeal. Once they recover from their burns and trauma at Humane World for Animals’ care and rehabilitation center in Maryland, they will begin their journey to find adoptive families.
Korean American actor Daniel Henney had a chance to meet two of the Tosas undergoing treatment for burns at a veterinary shelter in Paju city. Accompanied by dog meat campaigner Sangkyung Lee from Humane World for Animals Korea, Henney sat with the dogs and gained their trust by talking to them softly and offering them treats. The visit by the Wheel of Time and Criminal Minds star came the day after he helped Humane World for Animals Korea rescue 67 dogs who had been trapped on a dog meat farm in Cheongju.
In South Korea, most members of the public rarely meet Tosas because they are hidden from view on dog meat farms. There is also a common and undeserved misconception—perpetuated by the dog meat industry—about the temperament of Tosas, leading to a prejudice about the breed. On meeting the Tosas, Henney said: “I’m amazed at how gentle they are. They’ve simply never had the chance to interact with people because they’ve been confined in cages since birth. But if dogs like these are given the opportunity to live in a loving home and spend time with a family, people will realize that much of what they think about Tosas is based on prejudice.”
He added: “The fact that seven dogs survived a tragedy in which almost 700 lost their lives to a wildfire is nothing short of a miracle. Having endured such a devastating experience, the healing process alone could be overwhelming for them—but seeing them accept human touch without any signs of aggression is truly moving. I sincerely hope that only days filled with love will lie ahead for these lucky seven.”
Humane World for Animals Korea, which successfully helped campaign for a ban on the dog meat industry in the country, effective from 2027, answered a call for help by action group Lucy’s Friends*. The group rescued the dogs after the dog meat farmer fled the fire and hundreds of dogs were left to perish in their cages.
The seven survivors were flown from Incheon airport outside Seoul to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and then travelled by road to Maryland. After recovery at Humane World for Animals’ care and rehabilitation center, they will be placed with shelter and rescue partners for adoption.
Sangkyung Lee, campaign manager at Humane World for Animals Korea, said: “The horrific deaths of hundreds of dogs at this dog meat farm is a terrible tragedy, but thankfully we are able to give these lucky seven dogs a chance of happy lives in loving families after the trauma they have been through. At our care and rehabilitation center in the United States, we will give them all the time, veterinary care and love they need to heal. Over the years, we have rescued hundreds of Tosas from dog meat farms, who have gone on to live their best lives in Canada and the U.S. where they have the freedom to run, play and sleep soundly in soft beds. I can’t wait for these seven to discover that same love. Thankfully, with the dog meat industry ban coming into force in less than two years, dog meat farms like this will be consigned to our history books.”
The blaze was one of multiple wildfires that raged across the country starting late March, said to be South Korea’s largest ever wildfire event causing devastation, displacing tens of thousands of people and killing more than 30 people. The fire that caused the tragic deaths of hundreds of dogs at Andong is just one of reportedly several fires at dog meat farms. Tens of thousands of other animals, such as cows and pigs who were unable to escape the flames, also died in the fires.
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Download Photos/Video of the Dogs' Journey to the U.S.
Download Photos/Video of the Dogs' Recovery in the U.S.
*Lucy’s Friends comprises Dorothy Rescue, KARA, LIFE, Korean Dogs, TBT Rescue and KK9 Rescue.