In a powerful display of compassion and commitment to animal welfare, Pete Wicks, known from The Only Way Is Essex, teamed up with Humane Society International (HSI) to participate in a dramatic rescue operation at a dog meat farm in South Korea. This life-changing experience saw over 170 dogs saved from horrific conditions, offering them a chance at a brighter future. For Wicks, the mission was profoundly moving, solidifying his dedication to ending the cruel dog meat trade.
Alt: Pete Wicks, visibly moved, cradles a rescued dog from a South Korean dog meat farm, highlighting the emotional impact of the rescue mission.
The Namyangju dog farm, located just a couple of hours from the venues for the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics, epitomizes a hidden and disturbing aspect of South Korea. Despite the nation’s modern and progressive image, an estimated 17,000 dog farms operate across the country, breeding over 2.5 million dogs annually for consumption. This stark reality clashes sharply with the celebratory atmosphere of international events like the Olympics, prompting growing calls from within South Korea and globally to address the issue.
The conditions at the Namyangju farm were appalling. Dogs of various breeds were confined to barren wire cages, exposed to the elements, and deprived of even basic veterinary care. HSI rescuers witnessed firsthand the suffering endured by these animals, many of whom were battling eye infections, skin diseases, and painful sores from standing on the wire mesh. These dogs were destined for slaughter, to be electrocuted and turned into bosintang, a spicy dog meat soup. However, thanks to HSI’s intervention, these animals were spared this brutal fate and given a lifeline.
Among the rescued dogs were a mix of breeds, including greyhounds, spaniels, and mastiffs. Thirteen of these fortunate dogs are set to journey to the UK to a shelter in the New Year after completing quarantine, while the remaining dogs will find new homes in the United States and Canada. Pete Wicks’s involvement in the rescue was spurred by his emotional response to previous HSI dog farm closure videos. A passionate dog lover and owner of Eric, Wicks feels deeply about ending the dog meat trade.
Alt: Pete Wicks kneels to comfort dogs confined in wire cages at a South Korean dog meat farm, demonstrating the harsh living conditions before rescue.
“Witnessing the grim reality of a dog meat farm firsthand has been one of the most intensely emotional experiences of my life,” Pete Wicks recounted. “Thinking of my own dog, Eric, enduring even a single day in such a place was heartbreaking. While some dogs were understandably terrified, having only known cruelty, it was incredible how many still showed friendliness despite their horrific ordeal. Their tail wags were just heart-wrenching. Despite the hell they’ve been through, they still offered trust and affection. It was truly humbling.”
Wicks emphasized his pride in supporting HSI’s campaign: “HSI’s rescue team undertakes incredibly difficult work. It’s not just about rescuing dogs; they provide practical solutions for dog farmers to transition away from this cruel industry and advocate for legal reforms. They address the problem comprehensively.”
Claire Bass, UK Director for HSI, accompanied Pete Wicks on this rescue mission. For Bass, the experience was particularly poignant as she met Henry, a golden retriever she and her family are adopting. Henry, estimated to be around one year old, may have never known kindness or life beyond his cage. Bass described her first encounter with Henry: “He was initially fearful and confused when I entered his cage, but as I gently massaged his ears and reassured him, he began to relax. I told him his life was about to change, that he was going to be a cherished member of our family, not just meat.”
Alt: Claire Bass, HSI UK Director, tenderly interacts with Henry, a golden retriever rescued from a dog meat farm, soon to be adopted and brought to the UK.
Bass highlighted the broader context: “Henry is one life saved, but 2.5 million dogs are lost each year to this trade. With the Winter Olympics approaching, the image of dog farms and markets in South Korea presents a jarring contrast. This is the moment for the South Korean government to commit to phasing out this abhorrent trade as the world focuses on their nation.”
HSI has been actively working in South Korea for three years, and this Namyangju farm is the tenth dog farm they have permanently closed. Their approach involves collaborating with dog meat farmers who are seeking to exit the trade. Factors such as increasing social disapproval, declining profitability, and farmers’ remorse over the suffering of the dogs are driving them to seek HSI’s help. HSI offers a practical path out, assisting elderly farmers to retire and others to transition to alternative livelihoods like water delivery or blueberry farming. Mr. Kim, the owner of the Namyangju farm, who farmed dogs for 20 years, is planning to move into construction and vegetable farming. HSI hopes this model of change will be embraced by the South Korean government under President Moon Jae-In.
Farmer Kim shared his perspective: “I initially started dog farming for financial reasons, but the market has significantly declined in South Korea. Also, with a young daughter who loves dogs, I felt increasingly uncomfortable with this business. Working with HSI makes me feel good for the dogs. Before, I avoided connecting with the dogs, but after deciding to work with HSI, I started talking to them, telling them things would get better. And I truly believe it. I am happy for them.”
HSI’s efforts have rescued 1,222 dogs from the South Korean dog meat trade to date. These rescued dogs, like Elsa, featured in HSI’s video with Sandi Bogle, and Caspian, adopted by the British Ambassador to South Korea, are now living testament to the possibility of hope and transformation.
Key Facts:
- The 13 dogs destined for the UK will arrive in early January 2018 and will be cared for by All Dogs Matter. Adoption inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
- Dog meat consumption is not typical in South Korea, and opposition is growing. President Moon Jae-in himself adopted a rescued dog from a meat farm.
- Peak dog meat consumption occurs during the summer (Bok Nal). Bosintang soup and Gaesoju herbal drink are common dog meat preparations.
- HSI supports farmers in transitioning to new livelihoods like water delivery or blueberry farming, or retirement.
- Studies in South Korea have revealed antibiotic residues and zoonotic bacteria in dog meat sold at markets.
- Electrocution is the common, and often prolonged, method of killing dogs.
- The dog meat industry exists in a legal gray area in South Korea, with animal protection laws frequently violated.
- An estimated 30 million dogs are killed for meat annually across Asia. Some regions like Hong Kong and Taiwan have banned the trade.
For further information and to support HSI’s campaign, please visit hsi.org/dogmeat.
Media Contact: Wendy Higgins, [email protected], +44 (0)7989 972 423
