ACTA:
Against Cruelty

Against Animal Concentration Camps

Here is Rachel's letter to us:
My Korean experience Oct 01-Sept 02
by Rachel Cross

I went to Korea as part of a programme which involved staying with a Korean family and teaching their children English. I saw it as a great opportunity to broaden my mind and experience another culture’s way of life as well as making new friends.

Before leaving I was aware that dogs were eaten and found this difficult to comprehend. Our dogs were like members of the family and I’m sure millions of other people feel the same way about their dogs. The Korean word for dog is ‘gae’ and learning this before I left put my mind to rest a little. Fortunately my host family were lovely people and the children were delightful. Both children had endearing characters and were fun loving and outgoing with boundless energy.

Living in a city of 2.5 million was quite a change from humble Hobart. It was very much a disposable society, no car was older than 10 years and shopping was a way of life in itself. My host family often slept together of a night and education is highly regarded; Most children have 3 or 4 private classes after school which is 6 days a week. We ate traditional Korean food which was pleasantly hot and spicy. They didn’t eat dogs, thank goodness!

I tutored the children for only 20 hours per week so when I learnt there was an animal shelter in Daegu I was keen to get involved. The shelter is the only animal shelter in South Korea and is run by KAPS( Korean Animal Protection Society) and was founded and opened in 1991 by Sunnan Kum.

My first impression of the shelter left me feeling very sad it was so rundown, the animals were beautiful though and in good spirits. The shelter is on the 4th floor and roof top of an apartment building which is leased by KAPS. About 80 dogs live there altogether, 99% are mixed breeds who were previously strays and a few have been rescued from the ominous dog meat markets. Cages are rusted and every room bar the toilet is filled with animals. Cats now live in the vet-clinic also which recently closed due to expense, animals are now treated and spayed off the premises.

The rest of the cats which number about 200 live in a shack not far from the dogs. Facilities here are also very cramped and both are not weather proof. During the monsoon when it rained continuously for 2 weeks it was particularly bad, large puddles covering the floor in many areas of both buildings.

There are 3 dedicated staff at the shelter and Sunnan who I came to know as being very kind hearted and personable. Living in her humble home for 6 months I also came to know her as being a truly tireless advocate for Korean animals. Naturally I became more aware and concerned about the plight of Korean animals. It was horrifying to learn that over 2 million dogs and thousands of cats are tortured to death in the most inhumane ways every year. No stray animal is safe from dog dealers and dogs raised in farms spend their entire lives in wire cages. Here, they suffer from dehydration and hunger, exposure to the elements, unsanitary conditions and abuse. The suffering continues.........

Before being eaten dogs are hanged, bludgeoned with pipes or hammers and often electrocuted with prods; Cats are boiled alive or pounded to death against the ground in a sack. The rationale behind this cruelty is that the greater the dog suffers the greater the adrenalin produced thus increasing the virility of the consumer. Cats are made into a juice which is believed to elleviate arthritis and neuralgia. These are proven myths and many restaurants actually inject steroids and other substances to produce the desired effect. It’s also been claimed that dog meat is a traditional Korean food though it’s illegal and was only eaten to a small extent during the famine in the war. Shortly after dealers invented it as having special health benefits as it was a lucrative trade and today it’s a multi-million dollar industry.

Eating dogs has been illegal now since 1984 and in 1991 the Korean Animal Protection Law was passed prohibiting cruelty toward animals. These laws are not enforced to any degree and the battle for them to be revised and enforced continues. Ongoing world-wide support for justice will ensure Korean animals have a beam of hope for a brighter future. Any form of support you can give will go towards making a difference.

The picture is of Mary and I. Mary was rescued by an English reporter in February at Chilseong market, Daegu. Despite her poor condition she was bought for 175 pounds which is the equivalent of 480 Australian dollars. Cages are so cramped there (at the market) that animals have no choice but to lie awkwardly on their sides. Barking is frenetic and often killings are carried out within sight of dogs. I never ventured out to the dog meat markets, peoples vivid accounts of what they had seen was too distressing. These dog dealers must surely have hearts of stone.

Mary was sickly, under-weight and nervous when she first came to the shelter but wasn’t for long. Quickly responding to the loving attention of the staff she’s now in good health and has an enormous zest for life. Inquisitive and friendly she wins many fans and treats!

Please visit the Korean Animal Protection Society and tour the shelter. KAPS will begin building a new shelter next year if enough funding allows. For further information and or questions please visit dogaid.com. Peace to you and your pets.
- Rachel