MONTREAL, Feb. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HSI/Canada is on the ground in South Korea, assisting our global affiliates in the permanent shut-down of a horrendous dog meat farm, Humane Society International’s 14 th farm closure to date.
This particular dog meat farm also operates as a puppy mill, highlighting the blurring of lines between dogs sold as pets versus dogs sold for human consumption. Dogs in this facility were sold as pets or for slaughter, depending on where the greatest profits could be found at any time.
In total, 200 dogs will be rescued, with over 160 coming to Canada where HSI/Canada and Friends of HSI will provide temporary sheltering and rehabilitation before the dogs move on to partner placement organizations. Media, news outlets are invited to greet the dogs as they arrive in Toronto this evening – details below.
WHAT: Permanent closure of a dog meat / puppy mill facility in South Korea and rescue of 200 dogs bound for shelters in Canada and the United States.
WHERE:
- Farm 14 in Hongcheon, South Korea. Click here for the Google map.
- Dogs arrive at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. Air Canada Cargo: 2580 Britannia Road East, Mississauga, Ont. L4W 2P7. Click here for the Google Map.
- HSI/Canada temporary shelter in Cambridge, Ontario. Call or email media contact below to schedule an appointment.
- HSI/Canada temporary shelter in Montreal, Quebec: 7314 Mountain Sights Ave (south of Jean-Talon West), Montreal, Quebec H4P 2A6. Click here for the Google Map.
WHEN:
- HSI/Canada representatives who have inspected Farm 14 are available for interviews at any time.
- Media availability at Pearson International Airport (arrival of dogs) is February 18 (7pm EST, approximately). Please email or call media contact below to RSVP.
- Media may visit HSI/Canada’s temporary shelter in Cambridge, Ontario on February 18 th . Email or call media contact below to RSVP.
- Over 40 dogs will arrive in Montreal at HSI/Canada’s temporary emergency shelter on February 21 st at approximately 4pm. Please email or call media contact below to RSVP.
WHO: The Humane Society International animal rescue team includes English, French and Korean language spokespeople.
WHY: An estimated 2.5 million dogs are bred and confined in appalling conditions on thousands of farms across South Korea to be killed for human consumption. The dogs suffer immensely both physically and mentally, spending their entire lives in small, barren, wire cages without proper food, water, stimulation, comfort or veterinary care. Death is by electrocution.
Facts:
- Dog meat consumption is declining rapidly in South Korea, particularly among younger generations, with a survey by Gallup Korea in June 2018 showing that 70 percent of South Koreans say they will not eat dog meat in the future.
- HSI’s transition program for dog meat farmers in South Korea is a proven success, with people finding new, humane income streams through water transportation, blueberry farming, and more.
- To date, HSI has rescued more than 1,500 dogs and puppies from South Korean dog meat farms.
- In November last year, HSI assisted Seongnam City Council in shutting down Taepyeong, the largest dog slaughterhouse in the country, which is to be replaced with a community park.
Download b-roll video and photos of the rescue by click ing here .
Media Contact: Christopher Paré, Director of Communications – Office: 514 395-2914 x 206 / cell: 438 402-0643 / email: cpare@hsi.org
Humane Society International/Canada is a leading force for animal protection, with active programs in companion animals, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammal preservation, farm animal welfare and animals in research. HSI/Canada is proud to be a part of Humane Society International which, together with its partners, constitutes one of the world's largest animal protection organizations. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide - on the web at www.hsicanada.ca .
