A meat farm in South Korea is officially closed, thanks to Simon Cowell donating £25,000 to shut it down.
Cowell has also given to the Humane Society International, an organization which aims to rescue over 200 dogs and puppies that are bred to be eaten.
The Human Society International (HSI) has shut down 12 dog meat farms to date as well as rescued 1,400 animals. The organization aids farmers who desire to leave the dog meat trade industry helping them change to alternative farming methods like growing and selling vegetables.
Claire Bass, the HSI’s UK executive director, said:
“Simon’s generous donation means the world to us, and provides a huge boost to our appeal to close this horrendous dog meat farm. More than 200 dogs are languishing in the most appalling conditions, but we have a real chance to save them. With every dog farm we close and every farmer we help switch to a more profitable, humane business, we’re showing the South Korean government that it’s possible to end this cruel trade. These poor dogs have had the worst lives so far, so we’re desperate to get them out of those dreadful cages and show them love, soft beds and loving arms for the first time in their lives.”
I think we all can get behind that statement!
While on Good Morning Britain regarding the dog meat trade, Simon shared:
“It’s like eating your friend. Ironically, some of those people who are eating dogs, if those dogs were their pet, that dog would be protecting that person’s life, that’s the irony. The joy, the love they bring into your life, what they do for you, you can’t put it into words.”
It is reported that there are an estimated 17,000 dog meat farms in South Korea. Simon continued to share in regards to the farm and the meat trade, the following:
“It is a strength, in my opinion, to say we’re not going to do it. If they all could come together now, maybe through social media, maybe through a different generation who just say no, enough people will listen. That’s what happens in the world today.”
Yes, Simon! I know you have an attitude but you also have a huge heart and it is a yes from me, dawg.
Eating dog meat is, thankfully, rapidly declining in popularity – according to HSI. This is so, particularly in South Korea – despite 2.5 million dogs being bred each year for human consumption. The country’s laws are currently shifting in regards to the dog meat industry. Earlier in the year, a South Korean court decided that killing dogs for meat is illegal.
Animal rights activists believe that this step could potentially lead to banning the consumption of eating canines altogether.
Under the new law, the slaughter of animals would be limited for food to species that are technically considered livestock — which does not include canines.
But farmers regularly breach provisions of the Animal Protection Act, according to HSI. In Asia, dog meat is widely consumed and is not just a South Korean issue. It was found that 10 million dogs are slaughtered for the dog meat trade each year, just in China.
To help stop meat farms operating in Asia, click here. Together we can put an end to such a cruel act and make the world a better place, for us and for our doggos.
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