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Dogs: Companions, Pets or Farmed Animals?

Dogs: Companions, Pets or Farmed Animals?

 

Throughout most developed countries, dogs are known as (hu)man’s best friend. They share our homes, sleep in our beds, and occupy more than a small part of our hearts.

American society, in particular, has embraced dogs so much so that there are more than 80 million dogs currently residing within our homes. It has been a rapid progression of societal values that elevated dogs’ status within our society. They are now and will forever be known as our friends.

The idea that a dog is not only a “pet,” but a friend and companion is yet another transition currently playing out in American society. It is also one that IDA continually and actively supports. While being deemed a “pet” has allowed various legislative protections, this category also supports the idea of an animal as a piece of property to be “owned.” Clearly, this is an outdated ideology. We cannot own another being and now prefer to be guardians, caring and protecting the animal companions with whom we share our lives.

The words and categories we assign play a significant role in our views, values and treatment of entire species. What would happen, for instance, if dogs were now considered “farmed” animals?

Unfortunately, this is the reality in South Korea. Dogs within the country occupy a unique place within society, for they are at once categorized as both “pets” and “farmed” animals.

How does one dog elicit love and care, while another is viewed as a perfectly acceptable menu item? Categorization and compartmentalizing. It is a widely held belief in Korea that there are different types of dogs– “meat” dogs and “pet” dogs.

The “meat” dogs are mainly two breeds: nureongis and dosas. Nureongis, or yellow dogs, are the most common “meat” dogs and are those found crammed into the many cages at the markets throughout the country. Dosas generally resemble a mastiff-type breed and are farmed due to their size and disposition. These dogs are somehow able to remain docile while enduring the horrific conditions on a dog meat farm. These “meat” dogs’lives are like so many farmed animals throughout the world – short and torturous, ending in often the most brutal means possible due to another illogical belief that the value of the meat increases exponentially with the amount of terror and pain felt just before death.

While “meat” dogs suffer, “pet” dogs are increasing in popularity and Korea’s pet market is expected to reach $5.4 billion by 2020, according to a 2013 report by the Nonghyup Economic Research Institute. Purebred dogs, specifically toy breeds, appear to be favored, however, it also appears that they are being treated not only as “pets,” but true companions. While it takes more than money to be a responsible guardian, the increase and popularity of doggy daycares, grooming salons, pet hotels, and pet insurance options are telling. It would appear that some dogs in Korea are truly living as cherished family members.

The categorization of “meat” dogs and “pet” dogs also hides more dark layers. In fact, while “meat” dogs rarely, if ever, manage to be considered “pet” dogs, those deemed “pet” dogs are often found in the horrific dog meat farms, markets and slaughterhouses. A dog meat farm recently visited by IDA revealed dogs of all breeds – nureongis, black lab mixes, husky mixes, and a variety of mixed breed dogs and puppies. Similarly, the current South Korean laws are ambiguous and often contradictory with dogs being protected under the Animal Protection Act, but listed as livestock in another. This highlights the current lackluster governmental support and increases the difficulty in enforcing current laws, passing new laws and protecting South Korea’s dogs.

As of today, South Korea is home to dogs living as companions, pets and farmed animals. There is absolutely no difference between the so-called “pet” dogs and “meat” dogs. It’s an ill-fated ideology that must end now. IDA will continue our fight to end the brutal dog meat trade and welcome a world were all dogs are considered companions, family and friends.

The current treatment of dogs within South Korea highlights the atrocities that happen when one group of animals is deemed worthy of being a human companion while others are designated as farmed animals. The latter group, as with farmed animals throughout the world, is left without protections and endures short, painful lives all to satiate humans.

If you are outraged by the treatment of South Korean dogs, so too should you be outraged by the millions of cows, pigs, chickens and fish currently being exploited and tortured for humans’ pleasure. Join IDA and make a positive impact for all animals today, go vegan.

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