Largest Dog Meat Auction House in South Korea Closes After Investigation

​worldanimalnews.com/breaking-largest-dog-meat-auction-house-in-south-korea-closes-following-lady-freethinker-investigation/

What is thought to be the largest dog meat auction house in South Korea, has officially closed after an investigation by nonprofit Lady Freethinker turned up serious instances of animal cruelty & abuse. The closure of the Nakwon Auction House is a big step in ending South Korea's dog meat trade, which continues to draw international disgust and anger. All dogs were safely removed and the owner of the business has filed the business as closed.

Dogs At the Nakwon Auction House - Photo Taken from World Animal News

The investigation by Lady Freethinker in the summer of 2020, turned up some gruesome facts about the dog meat industry and the treatment of dogs awaiting auction. Dogs were found to be kept in cages too small to accommodate 2 to 3 of them at a time, climbing over one another uncomfortably. Although the article fails to elaborate on the exact cruelty and welfare issues witnessed by Lady Freethinker, one can assume that there was enough to present to the mayor of Namyangju, who followed up by personally investigating and eventually shutting down the Nakwon Auction House. Without the investigation by Lady Freethinker, dogs would still be cooped up in cages awaiting their turn for slaughter.

The dog meat trade is a dying industry in South Korea but still remains legal. A 2019 poll found that only 12.2% of respondents still consumed dog meat, down from 13% in 2018. While this is great news, an estimated 1 million dogs continue to die every year for the dog meat industry. A recent introduction of House Bill 7035, would effectively ban the slaughter and processing of dogs for food and is currently awaiting a vote. 

The dog meat trade is especially sad for those of us in North America, because dogs are cherished members of our families. Dog meat consumption is not something you encounter here which is why it is often so heart-wrenching when we see images of dogs awaiting slaughter. While it may be hypocritical of us to be concerned with the slaughter of dogs while simultaneously contributing to the animal agriculture industry that exploits and abuses farm animals for profit, it doesn't negate the fact that the dog meat industry is especially saddening. 

The dog meat industry is dying out every year and hopefully with the introduction of House Bill 7035, will be a distant memory very soon. 1 Million dogs every year depend on us to continue to put pressure on the industry to shut down once and for all. If the closure of Nakwon Auction House is any indication of what's to come, the dog meat industry is done for.

HAPPY VEG