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Dog meat rescue: Happy and Rudy arrive in U.S.

Dog meat rescue: Happy and Rudy arrive in U.S.

DOG MEAT RESCUE: HAPPY AND RUDY ARRIVE IN U.S.

In Defense of Animals Welcomes Two More Dogs

IMAGES: http://bit.ly/2aCooX6

CONTACT: Sharon Stone: sharon@idausa.org 662-466-0906 / media@idausa.org 415-448-0048

San Rafael, CA (July 29, 2016) – Two dogs destined to be killed and eaten landed in the U.S. on Thursday as part of a rescue mission by international animal protection organization, In Defense of Animals. Rudy and Happy the pup were just hours from death when they were saved from a dog meat slaughterhouse in South Korea.

The dogs took their first steps of freedom at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after a 7,000 mile journey from South Korea, just a few weeks after In Defense of Animals rescued five other dogs from the dog meat trade. All seven dogs are now safe and well at In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, Mississippi, which is appealing for members of the public to adopt the dogs and give them a new life.

“We are so glad this sweet pair escaped the horrific fate of being made into dog meat,” said In Defense of Animals President, Dr. Marilyn Kroplick. “Happy, Rudy and the ‘Slaughterhouse 5’ are ambassadors who represent millions of dogs brutally slaughtered and eaten each year. Culture and tradition are no excuse to force any animal to suffer to satisfy our appetites.”

Puppies like Happy are often made into soup or “dog wine” which is considered to be a “health” tonic. Rudy still bears the marks of his sad past as his eye was damaged in a cramped dog meat farm cage, but it is now healing nicely.

Happy was saved from the same slaughterhouse as the ‘Slaughterhouse 5’ who were brought to the U.S. by In Defense of Animals just a few weeks ago. The dramatic rescue saw the dogs taken from the dog meat slaughterhouse just weeks before Korea’s Boknal dog meat feast days that are being held now, during the hottest days of the year. Tragically, it was too late for several dogs who were slaughtered, butchered and eaten before rescuers could secure their release.

Despite the terrible treatment they have been subjected to, the dogs greeted rescuers with wagging tails before being driven to In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, Mississippi.

The charity is now calling for experienced dog guardians to provide loving, understanding forever homes for the pair. “We can’t wait to introduce Rudy and Happy to the ‘Slaughterhouse 5’ who are already enjoying themselves at the sanctuary,” said In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary Operations Manager, Sharon Stone. “We are looking for patient, experienced guardians who can help Rudy and Happy overcome their traumatic past and enjoy full, rich lives. Please get in touch if you are able to offer a loving forever-home.”

Two and a half million dogs are purported to be killed for food every year in South Korea. Although relatively few South Koreans eat dog meat regularly, and younger South Koreans are moving away from eating dogs altogether, the industry is worth over $200 million.

China’s infamous Yulin dog meat festival has just concluded for another year, but South Korea’s own dog meat feast is only just beginning. In Korea, Boknal Days are held on the three hottest days of the year between July and August. If it were not for the intervention of In Defense of Animals and Korean rescuers, the dogs would certainly have been killed and served as dinner, either during Boknal Days or before.

Happy and Rudy are Jindo dogs, known for their fierce loyalty and and brave nature, and recognized as South Korea’s national breed. Jindos and similar yellow dogs are farmed for their meat in South Korea. They endure horrifying treatment on the country’s many dog meat farms, akin to the mass suffering inflicted on animals in our own factory farms.

Dog meat dealers are also known to buy animals who have been dumped or stolen illegally from homes – often still wearing their collars.

Whether they are companions or bred specifically for their meat, trucks are stacked with hundreds of dogs crammed alive into wire cages to transport their grim cargo toward the slaughterhouse. They are transported without food or water, and many suffer broken bones or perish before reaching their final destination. Those who survive can only wait their turn as they watch other dogs being tortured and killed for human consumption. Some believe that terrorized dogs taste better or will give better health benefits, leading to intentional torture of dogs before they are eaten, through beating, hanging, electrocution and any other cruel method that can be thought of.

Apply to rescue a dog from In Defense of Animals Hope Animal Sanctuary via email adoptions@idausa.org or call 662-392-8939.

Please support the continued work of In Defense of Animals to protect dogs in South Korea http://www.idausa.org/5dogssaved.

ENDS

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters, dedicated to protecting animals’ rights, welfare, and habitats through education, outreach, and our hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi.

Since 1993, In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary has rescued, provided refuge, and fought for justice for abused animals in rural Mississippi. In a region devoid of animal shelters and other vital animal control services, the ongoing work of Hope Animal Sanctuary is beyond critical in providing hope for animals continuing to suffer in America’s Deep South.

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS • 3010 KERNER BLVD. • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • 415-448-0048

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