South Korean Dog Meat Trade Faces Phase-Out as Rescued Labrador Finds New Home

A Labrador named Maisie, adopted by Winifred Robinson in the UK, was rescued from the dog meat trade in South Korea, a practice that involves raising dogs in unsanitary conditions before they are slaughtered. Robinson's experience highlights the plight of dogs in the trade and the efforts of charities working to save them.

The South Korean government has voted to begin phasing out dog meat farms and restaurants starting in 2024, with the practice set to end entirely next year. This legislative change comes as demand for dog meat has declined, particularly among younger generations, making the trade less profitable.

Robinson's journey to adopting Maisie began after the death of her own Labrador, William. Seeking a new companion, she found a yellow Labrador named Maum (whose name was later changed to Maisie) advertised online. The ad revealed that Maum was being rehomed by The Dog Team UK, a charity founded in 2017 by Louise Trevatt and friends to rescue dogs from the meat trade in South Korea.

According to The Dog Team UK, dogs in South Korea are often kept in "filthy, barren cages" and killed by hanging or bludgeoning. This method is based on a belief that the resulting adrenaline rush tenderizes the meat. Up to a million dogs are killed annually for meat in South Korea, where the practice has existed for centuries. Abandoned pets and puppies from the pet trade also face risks, sometimes being taken from pounds by individuals who then torture and kill them.

Dogs like Maisie are rescued by volunteers in Korea who place them in shelters. However, without an established adoption culture in South Korea, many dogs are sent to the UK, US, or Europe to find permanent homes. The charity facilitates the transport of these dogs, ensuring they are quarantined, vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and wormed upon arrival in the UK.

Robinson described Maisie's initial adjustment as challenging. The dog was initially fearful of men and wary of other dogs, exhibiting barking and lunging behaviors. With the support of The Dog Team UK and a dog behavior specialist, patient training helped Maisie become the "super laid-back labrador she was always meant to be."

Despite the legislative progress, concerns remain about the fate of thousands of dogs still on farms when the transition is complete. "I am extremely concerned that there will be chaos in South Korea as these meat farms close. The victims will once again be the dogs," Louise Trevatt stated. The success of the phase-out and the welfare of the remaining dogs are ongoing challenges for animal welfare advocates.