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AP/Press Association Images

South Koreans eat nearly 2.5 million dogs a year, but the industry is dying

Close to 200 dogs were freed from a farm this week.

“IT’S A DYING business,” Gong In-Young said Wednesday as he watched US activists clear out the cages of the South Korean dog meat farm he has been running for the past decade.

Close to 200 dogs, including Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Rottweilers, Japanese Tosas and Korean Jindo dogs, paced in circles inside the small wire cages, barking furiously at their rescuers.

The dogs in Gong’s farm, one of thousands across the country, were bred specifically for consumption and confined in their cages from birth until slaughtered for their meat.

South Koreans are believed to consume somewhere between 1.5 million-2.5 million dogs every year, but the meat farming industry is in decline, with little demand among the younger generation.

Gong’s business is the fifth and the largest dog meat farm to be closed down by the US-based Humane Society International (HSI), and Gong said he was happy to get out.
https://www.facebook.com/hsiglobal/photos/a.120527422261.98236.19746387261/10154354475832262/?type=3&theater

“In the past, people ate dogs because there was nothing else to eat but nowadays, young people don’t have to eat it,” Gong said.

It’s becoming weird for people.

Changing tastes

A poll conducted by Gallup Korea last year showed that only 20% of men in their 20s consumed dog meat in the past year, compared to half of those in their 50s and 60s.

Gong also noted that the increasing popularity of dogs as domestic pets had played a large part in reducing demand for their meat.

The HSI rescued a total of 225 dogs last year, closing down four farms in what they call a “constructive and collaborative” approach to phase out an industry that has long been criticised by international animal welfare groups.

Most of the dogs are flown to the United States and Canada for adoption.

HSI holds press event at San Diego Humane Society for South Korea dog meat farm rescues A rescued dog (File photo) AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

In return for shuttering his business for good, a farmer receives up to $60,000 (€53,000) – depending on the number of dogs being bred – that can be used as seed money for a more “humane” farm, growing anything from blueberries to green peppers.

Through its well-publicised rescues, HSI seeks to raise awareness about the cruelty of dog meat farms and “initiate a conversation with South Korean policymakers,” the group’s campaign manager Andrew Plumbly said.

South Korea is preparing to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, and Plumbly said the global publicity surrounding the event provided an opportunity to push for change.

Olympics spotlight

“Part of the spotlight will touch on the dog meat trade so they may feel pressure in that regard and hopefully they will respond constructively,” he said.

The South Korean authorities are sensitive to the negative publicity attached to the dog meat industry, and dog restaurants in Seoul were shut down ahead of the 1988 summer Olympics.

Humane Society International Rescues Dogs From South Korea Dog Meat Farm File photo of dogs at a South Korean farm Photographer Manchul Kimwww.manchulkim.comT.82.10.3721.0074 Photographer Manchul Kimwww.manchulkim.comT.82.10.3721.0074

Gong, who stumbled into the dog meat industry after many failed business attempts, admits he was “never proud” of his farm, which only ever earned him a modest living.

In a normal year, he would sell around 200 animals, with an average price – depending on size – of about $200 (€177).

“I realised the dogs will become a lot happier if I changed my mind,” Gong said, while Snow, his pet Spitz, sauntered between rows of crates with dogs awaiting their departure.

Running a dog farm in South Korea requires no special licence, although Gong said there were regular government checks to ensure neighbours weren’t being disturbed and dog waste was being properly disposed of.

Asked to compare the living conditions of Snow and the dogs in the cages, Gong admitted:

It’s the difference between heaven and hell.

- © AFP, 2016

Read: Ten Cambodians die after eating dog meat and drinking rice wine

Read: ‘Stolen pets’ end up on the dinner table for China’s dog meat festival

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    Mute Brian O Reilly
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    Jan 7th 2018, 7:25 PM

    Sorry to hear of his passing,the Moody Blues produced some classic rock albums,

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    Mute Ricardo Shillyshally
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    Jan 7th 2018, 7:33 PM

    Ray Thomas gave the Moodies their other worldly sound with his excellent flute playing. As well as as “Nights” his flute on other tunes such as When Youre A Free Man, For My Lady etc. He is now part of the Universe and will now live on forever.

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    Mute Francis Devenney
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    Jan 7th 2018, 8:32 PM

    “When you stop and think about it you won’t believe it’s true
    , All the love you’ve been given has all been meant for you”
    RIP Ray Thomas

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    Jan 7th 2018, 7:35 PM

    I have ‘To Our Children’s Children’s Children’ in my car.
    “Black things billowing, bursting forth with the power of 10 billion butterfly sneezes.”

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    Mute Gareth Cooney
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    Jan 7th 2018, 8:47 PM

    With the way music is going the rock & roll hall of fame will run out of bands to induct

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    Mute Mark Johnson
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    Jan 7th 2018, 9:54 PM

    Were not as big in the US as other territories. Isnt it based on US success mainly?

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    Mute John Halligan
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    Jan 7th 2018, 8:34 PM

    Moody Blues a great group , I’ve seen them a number of times Ray gone beyond the Stars.

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    Mute John Halligan
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    Jan 7th 2018, 8:32 PM

    Moody blurs a great group have seen them a number of times , Ray gone beyond the stars

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    Mute Paul Mc Nulty
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    Jan 7th 2018, 11:34 PM

    @John Halligan: you can say that again

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    Mute Alan Carmody
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    Jan 7th 2018, 10:26 PM

    Homer: Argh, it’s the Moody Blues!
    Graeme Edge: Cold-hearted Homer, ditching his wife, while ancient Ned runs for his life…
    Justin Hayward: Chips of red, and blue, and white, but we decide which…
    John Lodge: Can the poems, it’s arse-whipping time!
    Ray Thomas: (pulling out a knife) I want fatty!

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    Mute Brian Whelan
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    Jan 8th 2018, 1:23 PM

    The Moodies were / are my favourite band, their contribution to popular music is considerably, when Justin Hayworth joined them with his song writing and singing ability they became a major musical presence

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    Mute Rory O'Regan
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    Jan 8th 2018, 11:38 AM

    Farewell Ray, thanks for the memories & the wonderful music, from my favorite band of all time.

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