The purpose of this article is not to detract attention from the horrors of the Boknal Days, but rather to address and reflect on the primary defense the leaders of this festival point to — the treatment of farmed animals in the west.

Crammed into cages, callously abused, brutally killed — the ongoing cruelty of South Korea’s Boknal Days festival is utterly horrific. The thought alone of dogs suffering such abuse is heart wrenching to most of us. Many of us share our lives with dogs and are acutely aware of their ability to feel. We cherish their devotion and companionship, and cannot fathom ever causing them harm.

As we are on the ground in South Korea documenting the horrors of this ongoing festival, we are repeatedly reminded of the parallels between the cruelty occurring there, and what farmed animals endure here in the US. From atrocious living conditions, to horrifying methods of slaughter, the brutality is all the more shocking considering that many of the abuses are standard farming practices in western countries.

While most of us have experienced the loving companionship of a dog, few of us have had the opportunity to spend time with a pig, cow or chicken. Those who have encountered the playfulness and affection of farmed animals often come to realize that they have distinctive personalities and experience a range of emotions, from joyful excitement to devastating sorrow. Farmed animals’ love for life is strikingly similar to the dogs with whom we share our lives, leading many of us to wonder why we have been taught to love certain animals, and eat others.

Most of us care deeply about animals. We want to believe that there are laws in place, effectively protecting farmed animals. We want to believe that products labeled “free range” or “humane” are a kinder choice, because we have compassion. Unfortunately, we’ve been sold a marketing lie. Not only do animals on free-range farms suffer tremendously during their upbringing, but they all go through the same terror inducing, excruciating slaughterhouse ending, and all farmed animals are completely excluded from the federally mandated Animal Welfare Act.

And how could we have known? Not only are the victims of this industry carefully concealed, our perception of farmed animals has been shaped by a culture that does not recognize them for their loving, intelligent, and sensitive natures. Similarly, the beliefs of those who support the abusive dog meat industry in South Korea fail to recognize these animals as the beloved companions we know them to be.

As we continue our efforts toward bringing an end to this brutal industry, let us also reflect on the treatment of farmed animals at home. We must question our own conditioned beliefs in the same way that we are asking the participants of the Boknal brutality to question theirs.

Regardless of species, this cruelty must end.

Please join us in choosing compassion over cruelty – for all innocent animals who are farmed and slaughtered for their flesh:www.idausa.org/VegGuide