After Rescuers Fight for Dogs at Meat Market, Pups Finally Arrive in States Ready for New Homes
In the U.S. and other Western cultures, dogs are considered loyal companion animals. If you live on a farm, they might be considered dedicated workers as well.
So some Americans are pretty shocked to learn that in certain parts of the world, canines have been traditionally raised and slaughtered for food. Countries that may categorize dogs as a culinary item include South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and China.
According to the Animal Welfare Institute, many younger South Koreans tend to avoid dog meat consumption. But nonetheless, roughly two million South Korean canines are allegedly butchered for their meat each year — and AWI emphasizes that these animals typically endure a nightmarish lifetime of brutal abuse.
The newly liberated pups were flown into Boston’s Logan International Airport, where they seemed ready to romp and play the moment they stepped off the plane.
The dogs were promptly transported to Middletown, Rhode Island. They’re scheduled to spend roughly a week in quarantine at the Potter League for Animals before the search begins for loving families to adopt them.
Brad Shear, executive director of the Potter League, told media outlets that all four canines appear to be adjusting beautifully so far. “They are dogs just like any other dogs,” he said, noting that “they’re really friendly.”
Shear pointed out that these hardy hounds had already spent a bit of time in human company, so they weren’t coming straight from a rendering facility. “But they’ve probably never quite been in an environment like this,” he added.
An initial quarantine period is something required by law. The shelter will provide these dogs with ongoing TLC while assessing their health and behavior in preparation for permanent placement.
The RISPCA confirms that attitudes do seem to be gradually changing in South Korea. Evidently, a campaign has even been undertaken to halt the human consumption of canine meat for good.
There is no cap on how many dog videos I will post today. Make sure you check out @NBC10 at noon to see how you can adopt these babes ?? pic.twitter.com/87n0YAJ8fY
— Lindsay Iadeluca (@NBC10_Lindsay) April 4, 2018
While Shear stresses that the needs of local animals take precedence, he’s also quick to assert that the Potter League would consider taking in more South Korean pups if the opportunity arose.
“We’re certainly on a list of shelters around the country and in Canada who are taking these kinds of dogs,” he explained to media outlets, “and if our availability and their needs line up, we’re open to taking them again.”
For now, however, several social media platforms just can’t seem to get enough of the adorable animals who have already arrived. As local NBC 10 news reporter Lindsay Iadeluca joyfully announced on her pooch-populated Twitter feed, “There is no cap on how many dog videos I will post today.”
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