The dog days of summer – the hottest days of the season when we often seek relief by jumping into a nearby pool, relishing an ice-cold beverage or gaining a renewed appreciation for popsicles. In South Korea, however, beating the heat also spells doom for thousands of dogs.

As the temperature rises, so too does the demand for dog meat throughout South Korea. The reason? The outdated belief that eating dog meat dishes increases one’s stamina (or male virility) in the oppressive heat. The belief is so widespread that it led to the holiday known as Boknal Days. These three days in July and August are supposedly the hottest days of the summer according to the lunar calendar. The first two Boknal Days, July 13 and 23, have passed, along with so many innocent dogs. The last of these days, August 2,is still ahead.

We are currently in South Korea and most recently joined our friends at Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE) in downtown Seoul, South Korea in protest. We protested not only on behalf of the dogs, but also the other animals and humans of South Korea.

While the purported benefits of consuming dog meat are widely known, the scientifically proven and potentially deadly negative consequences are less so. Our concern is not only the suffering and torture endured by so many dogs, but also the individuals who are being exposed to rabies, cholera, and trichinellosis when consuming or coming in contact with dog meat. It is an outdated, cruel and wholly unnecessary industry and practice. It is time for it to end.

We will continue to stand with the many Koreans caring and working for the country’s animals. As others, such as the protesters in New York, raise their voices from afar, we hope you also join us in this fight.

If you haven’t yet sent your message to South Korea’s President and South Korean Ambassador to the Unites States, click here.

As always, you can help animals today by choosing compassion and downloading our free electronic vegan starter kit.