WATCH: Celebrities & Korean War Veterans Send Touching Messages of Support for South Korea’s Plan to Ban Dog Meat
Today, we're excited to share a pivotal update in our twenty-year fight to end the dog meat trade in South Korea. Since we asked our supporters to back the Special Act to ban dog meat in June, four similar bills have been proposed. A ban could be passed by the end of the year!
It’s a positive sign, but we must seize this opportunity. We’ve united celebrity voices including Priscilla Presley, Mena Suvari, and Katherine Heigl with Korean War veterans to send a powerful message to South Korea. Now we need your help to get it in front of the people who have influence in this matter!
The five bills aimed at ending South Korea’s dog meat trade are a direct result of our unwavering advocacy. More than 17,000 In Defense of Animals supporters signed our June alert to urge the National Assembly to pass the first proposed Special Act. Your voices are being heard, and they’re making a difference!
These proposals are beacons of change, symbolizing the potential to end the suffering of countless dogs. It is a testament to the tireless efforts of animal activists in South Korea and people around the world like you who have supported them and lent your voice to speak on behalf of the dogs.
Our Global Anti-Dog Meat Coalition has been at the forefront of our battle to end the dog meat trade, gathering an extraordinary chorus of support. In a touching display of solidarity, Korean War veterans and celebrity supporters of In Defense of Animals have shared their perspectives.
Anthony Melecca, Orville McKinney, and Eugene Clifford Barker are all In Defense of Animals supporters who served in the Korean War and risked their lives to protect the Republic of Korea and the lives of South Koreans. Many of their friends died to save the country. In their video statements, they sincerely ask the South Korean National Assembly to pass the Special Act to End Dog Meat and stop killing dogs.
Jeffrey Mausner, a retired attorney who produced the video and is a co-founder of our Global Anti-Dog Meat Coalition said, “These veterans, who fought for the lives and freedom of South Koreans, who are responsible for the very existence of democracy and the National Assembly itself, deserve to be listened to when they speak of their love for dogs and ask that the torture and killing stop.”
In her video statement, famed actress Priscilla Presley said, “As someone who, alongside my beloved late husband Elvis, always deeply cherished our dogs and strongly advocated for the well-being of animals, it pains me deeply to witness the continued suffering and inhumane treatment of these innocent creatures within South Korea. So, if consideration for kindness was ever merited by an animal, they deserve more respect than to be killed to become food on our dinner table.”
Emmy award-winning actress and Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl said, “I commend your National Assembly for their progressive bill to ban dog meat… I ask that South Korea seize this opportunity to end the dog meat trade once and for all and put an end to the horrific daily slaughter of 3,000 dogs.”
American Beauty actress Mena Suvari shared her support with us personally. She said, “I implore all Members of the South Korean National Assembly to support the bill that will ban dog meat once and for all in South Korea. I stand with In Defense of Animals' Global Anti-Dog Meat Coalition.”
You can watch our full video here.
Their words are not just statements; they’re a reflection of the collective conscience of a society moving towards compassion and respect for all living beings. From the heartfelt pleas of Korean War veterans to influential voices like U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman and celebrities including Priscilla Presley, Mena Suvari, and Katherine Heigl, the message is loud and clear: it's time to end this cruelty.
In Defense of Animals supporters are the backbone of this movement. Whether you’ve signed our alerts, spread the word, or considered leaving a legacy of love, your involvement is invaluable.
This year alone, our partners at Jindo Love Rescue have saved hundreds of dogs from the dog meat trade thanks to gifts from generous In Defense of Animals donors. Together we've saved over 1,200 dogs since 2017. With your support, we will continue our efforts until South Korea’s dog meat trade is no more. Once the law passes, we will do everything in our power to ensure it’s enforced. Each rescue, each life saved, is a victory in our larger battle for compassion and justice.
You can be a part of ensuring South Korea passes this historic and essential dog meat ban! Simply enter your name and email here to send our important video message from Korean War veterans and celebrities to the National Assembly. If you signed this alert back in June, please sign it again now to send our new, urgent message!
Thank you for being a changemaker and using your voice and freedom to create a kinder world for all beings!