South Korea’s dog meat ban is a victory you helped make possible. Now, four dogs we rescued with our partner Jindo Love Rescue are still waiting for the part no law can give them: a family. Amos has spent more than five years in care. Starburst and Sweetart have watched their sisters go home. Pluto is the last of 26 dogs rescued from one meat farm still awaiting adoption. Could you help one of them come home?

After decades of advocacy alongside Korean activists, In Defense of Animals celebrated South Korea’s historic dog meat ban in January 2024. Thanks to supporters who spoke up, we helped build the pressure for this hard-won change. The industry is being phased out, with the full prohibition taking effect in February 2027. As that milestone approaches, the dogs already saved must not be forgotten.

Your donations funded these rescues through our partnership with Jindo Love Rescue. Together, we brought dogs out of danger and supported their care while they waited for homes. Today, Jindo Love Rescue is winding down, with eight dogs remaining in its care in South Korea. Amos, Starburst, Sweetart, and Pluto are four of them, and funding for their care is running short.

We urgently need experienced, committed adopters who can offer permanent homes before they fly to the United States.

We helped win a future without this trade in South Korea. Adoption is how you can give an individual dog a future with someone to walk beside, feel safe with, and call family.

Amos: Can You Handle Five Years of Saved-Up Love?

Amos loves meeting people! He has saved up five years of love and is now ready for a person of his own. Rescued as a tiny puppy wandering alone in traffic, he has grown into an affectionate, active boy who enjoys treats, adventures, and joining in with his people. His video gives you a glimpse of that people-loving personality.

Could you be “the one” for Amos? He could be an only dog or live with compatible dogs, with Jindo Love Rescue helping assess the match. Amos is in South Korea and needs a permanent U.S. home.

Message Jindo Love Rescue about adopting Amos.

Starburst: Used to Dogs Falling for You?

Starburst likes to take things slowly. Could you let him make the first move? This quiet boy has amber eyes, a lovely smile, and a gentle nature. He needs experienced people who will give him time to feel safe, without expecting instant cuddles, and a friendly, easygoing resident dog to help him build confidence. 

We rescued Starburst and his siblings from a kill shelter with Jindo Love Rescue; his sisters are now together in a loving home. His turn is still to come. Starburst is waiting in South Korea for a permanent U.S. family.Message Jindo Love Rescue about adopting Starburst.

Message Jindo Love Rescue about adopting Starburst. 

Sweetart: Quiet Walks? Yes. Treats? Absolutely.

Watch Sweetart brighten up at the prospect of a treat. Being shy does not mean having no spark! This gentle, curious boy enjoys treats and long, quiet walks. Could you share those simple pleasures with him? 

Like his brother Starburst, Sweetart needs patient people and a friendly resident dog to help him feel secure. Let trust grow at his pace, and celebrate the moments when his personality shines through. The brothers can be adopted separately. Sweetart is in South Korea and needs a permanent U.S. home. 

Message Jindo Love Rescue about adopting Sweetart.

Pluto: Twenty-Six Dogs Rescued. One Still Waiting.

We rescued Pluto with 25 other dogs from the Miryang dog meat farm in 2023. Jindo Love Rescue now reports that he is the last of that group still waiting for a family. Watch him out for a walk, and imagine having this gentle boy beside you.

Your dog knows how good life in a loving home can be. Could they show Pluto? He needs a patient, experienced person and a friendly canine companion at home to help him build confidence. His shyness is a reason to give him time, not overlook him. Pluto is in South Korea and needs a permanent U.S. home.

Message Jindo Love Rescue about adopting Pluto. 

How to Help

All four dogs are currently in South Korea. Once an adoption is confirmed, Jindo Love Rescue arranges travel to their new home in the United States. We are seeking permanent adopters before they fly.

Learn about the adoption process, then message Jindo Love Rescue with the dog’s name, your location, household, resident animals, and experience so the team can discuss a suitable match.

If you cannot adopt, think of one person whose home and experience could suit one of these dogs. Send them that dog’s video and tell them why you thought of them. Help Amos, Starburst, Sweetart, or Pluto reach the person who could finally bring them home!

You have helped rescue hundreds of dog meat survivors and made a historic victory possible in South Korea. Our work to end the dog and cat meat trade continues in Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and wherever else it exists. Please make a donation today to support our work to save survivors, help them reach loving homes, and end the dog and cat meat trade forever.