(KR) Stop the Blood-business!

[Guest guest]

Dear Sirs/Madams,

 

We are animal advocates and as the International Day for Korean Dogs and

Cats is in front of us, we could not feel more disappointed and appaled

since the illegal dog and cat meat trade seems to be still flourishing

in your country. Two million South Korean dogs are electrocuted,

strangled, or bludgeoned to death each year. Then they're boiled,

skinned, browned by a torch, chopped up and eaten. Thirty percent are

stolen from families that love them. Most are homeless dogs, captured by

butchers and sold in open markets.

 

The tragic reality is that authorities are giving the dog meat trade

their silent blessing by turning a blind eye to this outrageous

bloodbath even though Korean law forbids the sale and consumption of dog

meat. Illegal and unsanitary dog farms are hidden away in the

countryside where breeders raise their stock for butchers. The country's

Animal Protection Law, which was passed in 1991 considers dogs to be

" domestic pets. " Moreover, although South Korea recently did pass

animal welfare laws, the government has made no moves to shut down this

grisly black market which is responsible for so much cruelty to

companion animals.

*

*More and more people all over the world comprehend that the eating of

dog meat isn't based on any deeply rooted Korean tradition. Koreans have

only eaten dogs when poverty has been widespread, as was the case during

World War II. Even in those hard times, dogs were treated as companion

animals.

Now, however with the unspoken blessing of the government, greedy,

unscrupulous dog traders in South Korea propagate the myth that canine

meat increases male sexual prowess and general health. This illegal

industry has organized itself well. It bribes government officials and

police, hires thugs to intimidate animal welfare campaigners, and

persuades newspapers to extol the " virtues " of dog meat. Although the

vast majority of Koreans don't eat dog meat, official figures indicate

there are at least 6,484 stores nationwide dealing in this horrific trade.//

//

 

As animal advocates we urge you to do everything in your power to stop

this brutal " business " , which causes unspeakable suffering for the

animals, poses a threat four your citizens' health and offends

internationally your country's reputation.

 

Sincerely yours,

Maria and Katerina Nika

////