SOX, RENAMED POCKET by his adopters in the United States, awaits rescue from a dog meat farm in Chungcheongnamdo, South Korea. Humane Society International came to an agreement with the farmer to shut down his business and transported all 103 dogs to the United States.
The Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) will begin adoption efforts to find homes for 58 Japanese Mastiffs after rescuers took the animals from a dog-meat farm in South Korea.
An estimated 17,000 dog farms operate in South Korea, where the practice of eating dog meat dates back thousands of years, but has recently become controversial with Western influences overtaking the local culture.
Critics condemn the practice for typically harsh growing conditions like crowded outdoor cages and cruel treatment of the animals.
The Japanese Mastiff, or Tosa, is a large breed dog averaging 80 to 130 pounds, but exhibits a calm, gentle temperament, according to the Humane Society.
Humane Society International transported the animals to the United States, where they brought 25 of the dogs to the Clark County area while the remaining 33 were sent to shelters across Washington.
“We are working closely with HSI (Humane Society International) and our partner shelters in Washington because we believe in all animals being valued and treated humanely,” HSSW president Stacey Graham said. “These dogs would have had a much different future if they had remained in South Korea. We feel very good about being part of this rescue effort.”
Teams of volunteers have provided medical care and performed social screenings to prepare the animals for adoption. Workers help the dogs acclimate to the different, familial social environment and teach the animals basic pet behaviors like walking on a leash and early phases of house training.
“These lucky dogs will live the rest of their lives as valued and treasured members of a forever family in the United States,” said Adam Parascandoa, HSI director of animal protection and crisis response. “They are full of character and will make loving and loyal companions.”
Interested adopters will face a “very special” adoption process; Humane Society staff have developed new application forms with longer waits and special criteria for adopting the animals. After adoption candidates are chosen and reviewed, the Humane Society may invite applicants to visit the facility to be matched with a dog. All dogs are expected to be adopted over the next 60 days.
Applications are available at www.southwesthumane.org, along with a list of all animals currently available for adoption. Animals can be viewed from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday weekly at the Humane Society shelter, 1100 NE 192nd Ave., in Vancouver.
All adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, microchipping and national registration, vaccines and a free veterinary exam with a participating veterinarian.
