Dogs were the first animals to be domesticated by early humans, somewhere around 30,000 BC. Fortunately, in most places around the world dogs are acknowledged for their loyalty, companionship and service to humanity.
According to the International Aid for Korean Animals/Korean Animal Protection Society, more than 2.6 million dogs and cats are killed just in South Korea each year for human consumption. Many dogs suffer a slow, inhumane death, as it is believed by some that torture before death makes the meat tastier. Also, dogs suffer from stress and disease while being farmed and transported in cramped conditions.
Factory farms cram dogs together where they may never see daylight and can barely move.
Reality of the Dog Meat Trade
As dogs are not officially listed as livestock in South Korea, their meat cannot legally be sold. However, many dog meat restaurants do exist across the country and it is estimated that two million dogs are raised for food every year.
If the dogs are classified as livestock, regulations will be put in place and the meat potentially sold more widely.
Film and photographic evidence confirms that dogs reared for food are farmed in appalling conditions, treated cruelly at markets where they are sold as live animals, and killed openly in public ways that cause immense suffering.
There are approximately five million pet dogs in South Korea. With around 17% of the residents of Seoul, the capital city, owning a pet dog, there is clearly a fondness for animals in Korea.
But while many dogs are much loved pets, some people believe that pet dogs and ‘yellow' dogs (those used for meat and are usually sandy in color) are completely different animals.
WSPA argues that classifying dogs as livestock would formalize this false notion of ‘pet' dogs and ‘meat' dogs being different, when in reality the various breeds of dogs used for meat are essentially no different from those commonly kept as pets. In fact, ‘meat' dogs have been adopted as pets and abandoned 'pets' have been found in the dog meat trade.
Dogs are eaten in large numbers in China and Korea, and on a smaller scale in parts of Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Myanmar, the Asian portions of the former Soviet Union, Thailand and Vietnam. In many of these countries, the practice is less than a few generations old.
In situations where the torture is not deliberate, the method of slaughter is still tragically cruel. Markets in China employ killing methods that leave both dogs and cats suffering a lingering, violent death as they are either bludgeoned over the head, stabbed in the neck or groin, hanged, electrocuted or thrown conscious into drums of boiling water.
Recent reports in the Chinese media have once again focused attention on this barbaric practice. The Southern Metropolis Daily newspaper, based in the southern city of Guangzhou in Guangdong province (the centre of dog and cat eating in China), reported on 17 December that a group of traffickers had shipped around 1,500 live cats from Jiangsu province into Guangdong, for sale to restaurants in cities there, and that thousands more were being transported every day.
The Chengdu Business Daily newspaper reported that around 10,000 cats were eaten in Guangdong province every day, many of which may have been cared for by local residents, and may even have been family pets.
These poor creatures suffer a horrific fate. After being trapped and transported for hours crushed together in tiny bamboo or wire crates with no food or water, many are skinned alive and thrown into boiling water, before being served to restaurant goers. -Animals Asia
Korea Animals Rights Advocates
Photo credit: yellowdog.org.kr
In most cases, fearful dogs on farms are left to watch their companions and family members get hung, stabbed and burnt to death. Slaughterers were emotionless and total disregarded the extreme fear, pain and suffering that the dogs around them were going through. These places are like concentration camps for dogs. The only way to truly and effectively protect these dogs is to make the consumption of dog meat illegal. Once there is no market for dog meat, farms and slaughterhouses will close.
In the Privince of Northern Gyung-gi it is believed that slaughtering dogs by way of electrocution reduces the quality of dog meat so they commonly hanging the dogs instead. Breeds seen awaiting their fate include Malamute, St. Bernard, Shi Tzu and Beagles.
Often the dogs are burnt while still hanging and alive because they move around in response to the pain, it makes it easier for the slaughterer to burn their hair off completely.
"It is estimated that more than 2 million dogs are killed and consumed in South Korea every year, and with each dog fetching the equivalent of US $250, it is a lucrative industry protected by powerful corporate interests. Though killing and eating dogs is illegal in South Korea, enforcing the laws are difficult due influences of powerful dog meat lobbyists as well as government officials who are themselves dog eaters. Though it is still a minority of Koreans who eat dogs, it is nevertheless practiced by some of the most powerful people in society."
In spite of a 1991 law which prohibits consumption of dogs and cats, a flourishing industry exists within the markets of Korea. Illegal and unsanitary dog farms are hidden away in the countryside where breeders raise their stock for butchers. -IDA
Tell the World Fur is Wrong!
TALK RADIO FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS
"Tails of Asia"
WITH
Featured Guest: Dena Jones
Special Guests: Jill Robinson & Bill Dyer
HELP TO END THE CRUELTY
The fur industry is responsible for the mistreatment and death of over 50 million animals for fashion every year. Species killed for non-essential luxury items include lynx, wolves, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, minks, raccoons, beavers, squirrels, cats and dogs.
The fur trim industry is worth over half a billion dollars a year, with China being the largest producer and exporter of fur trim and accessories. The number of animals killed for fur trim is overtaking the number killed to make full coats.
Did you know?
The Raccoon Dog is a member of the canid family which includes dogs, wolves, and foxes and is indigenous to east Asia. It is named for its resemblance to the raccoon, but is not closely related. (more)
Real Fur is oftentimes mislabled as foax fur or fun fur to mislead consumers (more)
Investigators estimate the annual death toll to be over 2 million dogs and cats. And for what? For full-length and short coats and jackets. Fur-trimmed garments. Hats. Gloves. Decorative accessories. Even toy stuffed animals. All made with the fur of dogs and cats. Dogs and cats no different from our pets, cruelly killed to make products sold to unwary consumers who generally have no way to know what they're buying. GO!
When undercover investigators made their way onto Chinese fur farms recently, they found that many animals are still alive and struggling desperately when workers flip them onto their backs or hang them up by their legs or tails to skin them.
Fur farming can only exist in response to consumer demand.
You can make a stand against cruelty by refusing to buy fur and by telling your friends what is really involved in making a fur coat or fur trim.
The discovery of domestic dog fur is the latest twist in the investigation that ensnared retail giants Macy's and J.C. Penney late last year. Both of those retailers were discovered selling coats with raccoon dog fur labeled as raccoon. (more)
Man's Best Friend?
There are approximately five million pet dogs in South Korea. With around 17% of the residents of Seoul, the capital city, owning a pet dog, there is clearly a fondness for animals in Korea.
But while many dogs are much loved pets, some people believe that pet dogs and ‘yellow' dogs (those used for meat and are usually sandy in color) are completely different animals.
WSPA argues that classifying dogs as livestock would formalize this false notion of ‘pet' dogs and ‘meat' dogs being different, when in reality the various breeds of dogs used for meat are essentially no different from those commonly kept as pets. In fact, ‘meat' dogs have been adopted as pets and abandoned 'pets' have been found in the dog meat trade.
While WSPA works to improve the welfare of animals that can be farmed humanely, the behavioral and physical needs of dogs mean this species is simply not suitable for the meat trade.
The practices involved in raising and slaughtering dogs would remain inherently cruel despite any attempts at regulation. This science-based rationale is behind WSPA's complete opposition to this trade and to the re-categorization of any dogs as livestock.
A truck carrying approximately 700 dogs believed to be taken from Thailand, shipped across the Mekong river and loaded onto a truck with a Vietnam license plate. According to the locals in Thanh Hao Province which shares a border with Laos, this happened twice a week.
A great number of dogs seen in the markets have collars on - an indication that they may have once been someone's pet. The argument that there are two types of dog - "pets" and "meat", is redundant as pure breeds and pets are seen for sale as meat in the markets. It is believed that a large portion of the cats seen in the markets are also stolen pets.
Asia Fur Company Ltd has developed its own brands, Altioli and Giuliana Amioli, which target the international markets, including the US, Europe, Russia, Japan and Korea.
The IFTF states that fur farms started with mink in the US in the 1860's, but modern fur farming began in 1895 when three Canadians started breeding silver foxes on Prince Edward Island.
85% of world pelt production originates from factory farmed animals.
Over 1 million people are employed full-time in the fur trade worldwide. Fur designers have begun combining fur with other materials, like denim, corduroy and brocade to attract young unassuming consumers. -International Fur Trade Federation
* These are pro-fur sites. You'll also find much propaganda here!
Dogs watch in fear as they await their fate.
About this Show
Katia Louise, has brought to the public an informative and thought-provoking show with “Tails of Asia”, which examines the use of dogs and cats for fur and food.
Those of us who are deeply touched by animals are, by nature, sensitive people and therefore might attempt to protect our feelings by shying away from such a topic. But “Tails of Asia” host, Katia Louise, successfully approaches the unsettling subject matter with tact and compassion without discounting the importance of the issues.
Instrumental in achieving the show’s objective are the featured guests, which include Dena Jones, U.S. Program Director for the World Society for the Protection of Animals, Bill Dyer, Regional Director for In Defense of Animals, and Jill Robinson, Founder and CEO of Animals Asia Foundation. These remarkable individuals, who work tirelessly to put an end to animal cruelty around the world, are happy to share their vast knowledge of the issues in an effort to bring awareness that will motivate others to take action.
There were encouraging points made during the show as well. Guest Bill Dyer noted that Israeli politician Nitzan Horowitz recently made an unprecedented move by introducing a bill that would ban the fur industry entirely in Israel. Jill Robinson, who called in to the show from China, said that the tides are slowly changing there with regard to how people view animal welfare. She told of a recent incident in China in which a small, unorganized group of animal advocates broke into a facility to rescue several hundred cats from a tragic fate, and while they technically broke the law, the local authorities essentially turned a blind eye to the group’s actions and chose not to arrest them. It was well-noted by all the guests that even the smallest of victories should be celebrated as they end suffering of some animals and bring awareness to the problem. Positive changes are slowly being made as a result of the combined efforts of animal advocates world-wide.
-Kara Lemire
"Tails of Asia"
(Please check back for audio portion of this program; currently in audio remix)
"Tails of Asia" delicately informs listeners of need-to know facts, provides latest developments & stays in check with reality.
"Tails of Asia"
A look into the world's fur industry and the consumption of companion animals, with a focus on the use of dogs and cats for fur and food. Help raise awareness and compassion for the billions of animals worldwide. Learn about the cultural beliefs that oftentimes motivate the cruelty. Find out about new laws that are impacting the dogmeat trade. Discover how real fur is being used and mislabled as fake fur. Learn what you can do to help make a difference toward ending the cruelty.
Join host, Katia Louise with featured guest, Dena Jones- Director of Programs for the US office of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), together with Jill Robinson- Founder/ CEO Animals Asia Foundation and also Bill Dyer- Regional Director In Defense of Animals. Plus an interview report from Swiss Animal Protection.
Help spread the word to raise compassion.
Orginal Air: Date March 21st
SPECIAL REPORT: DOG CULLING IN CHINA
This is a special report to raise support for the people in China with pet dogs who are being killed. Over 30,000 dogs killed due to lack of understanding about rabies. Help stop this from happening again!
AIR DATE JUNE 19, 2009 PRESS RELEASE
THIS REPORT IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN CHINESE
The Cat and Dog Fur Trade
The trade in cat and dog fur claims over two million animals every year. The majority is believed to be imported from China, although there is also evidence of cat and dog fur trade in European countries.
Animals on fur farms are kept in appalling conditions and are killed by inhumane methods including bludgeoning or strangling. Evidence also shows that many animals are still alive when they are skinned.
Cat and dog fur is used in variety of products, including clothing, toys and shoes. The fur from at least twelve adult dogs, or up to twenty-four cats, is needed to make one fur coat. Dog and cat fur products are also often deliberately mislabeled as synthetic or ‘fake' fur.
Cats have only been domesticated for approximately 4000 years and have remained relatively unchanged during that time. The Romans began to adopt the cat and transported them through out their empire and to this day cats have become one of the most loved animal companions around the world.
In today's world more than 10 000 cats are killed in the province of Guangdong, China every day for human consumption. They suffer an excruciating and slow death as they are boiled alive and tortured. Abandoned, strays and farmed cats are killed for commercial purposes such as fur as well.
Cats have a special disadvantage in Korea because they don't hold any position of affection in Korean society. Korean media and popular belief is what makes many Korean people think that cats live to spread disease and deceive and frighten them.
The Fur Industry
The fur industry is responsible for the mistreatment and death of over 50 million animals for fashion every year. Species killed for non-essential luxury items include lynx, wolves, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, minks, raccoons, beavers, squirrels, cats and dogs.
Animals farmed for their fur suffer from physical and behavioral abnormalities brought on by squalid, unsuitable conditions and the stress of being caged. At the end of a life devoid of natural behaviors or conditions, horrifically cruel slaughter methods - designed to preserve the pelt - are used.
The use of traps and snares on wild animals offers a no less painful death, and some have been declared inhumane by veterinary associations.
Fur Trim is as Bad as a Full Coat
The fur trim industry is now worth half a billion dollars a year, with China being the largest producer and exporter of fur trim and accessories. Fur trim is not what's left over from making fur coats; in fact, the number of animals killed for fur trim is overtaking the number killed to make full coats.
This trend is particularly worrying because the necessary pelt quality for trim is not as high as for coats, meaning the animals are subject to greater mistreatment - the fur spoiled by injury or disease can simply be discarded. Please ensure that nothing you buy has fur in the lining or anywhere else.
European press reports significant imports of cat and dog fur into Germany. Investigators found that dog fur, known in Germany as gae-wolf, is widely available as jackets and coats.
Karremann's report shows several fur traders who admit, without any shame whatsoever, that they export dog and cat fur to several countries of Europe, including the Netherlands. Dog and cat fur has been found in coats, fur-trimmed collars, hats, (cat) toys, and blankets.
The Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST) and Swiss Animal Protection (SAP), both WSPA member societies, recently carried out an investigation of China's fur farms. Investigators learned that animals such as foxes, minks, dogs and cats are often transported long distances to wholesale markets where they are slaughtered. They are kept in tiny wire cages and as a result they often display pathological behavior, including self mutilation. Video footage recorded by investigators show animals being skinned alive, and taking as long as fifteen minutes to die after their skin was removed.
Animal welfare standards for transportation, housing and killing methods used on China's fur farms fall drastically short of those in the European Union. China is one of the few countries that has no animal welfare provisions in place.
Despite Norwegian and Finnish fur producers using the ‘prestigious' Saga Furs and Origin Assured labels – supposed to guarantee the utmost care for animal welfare – the truth is that the conditions are shockingly bad.
This investigation, while focused on Norway, has far broader repercussions. It proves that legislation designed to protect fur-farmed animals is not enough to stop the shocking levels of suffering that they experience.
Unlike farm animals, the nature and needs of the species used for fur – such as minks, foxes, chinchillas, dogs and cats – means there is simply no way to rear them in farm conditions without significantly compromising their welfare.
Additional Photo Credits: World Society for the Protection of Animals, Korea Animal Rights Advocates, Animals Asia Foundation, HSUS, Yellow Dog, Network for Animal Freedom, IDA
Additional Thanks to WSPA, Animals Asia Foundation, In Defense of Animals, Korea Animal Rights Advocates, HSUS, Swiss Animal Protection,
IFAW, Fur Free Alliance, Network for Animal Freedom, PETA
Fur farming can only exist in response to consumer demand.
Man's Best Friend? 
Despite Norwegian and Finnish fur producers using the ‘prestigious' Saga Furs and Origin Assured labels – supposed to guarantee the utmost care for animal welfare – the truth is that the conditions are shockingly bad.
