7 Shocking Facts About The Latest Humane World Dog Meat Farm Rescues In South Korea

The global fight against the brutal dog meat trade has reached a critical turning point, with a surge in rescue operations spearheaded by organizations like Humane World for Animals (HWA) and its international affiliate, Humane Society International (HSI). As of late 2025, the focus remains intensely on South Korea, where a landmark government ban is rapidly approaching. These recent interventions are not just about saving individual lives; they represent the successful closure of numerous horrific facilities and a major shift in public and political opinion.

The latest rescues, which have saved hundreds of dogs from unimaginable suffering, are a direct response to South Korea’s historic legislation. This comprehensive ban, set to take full effect in February 2027, has created a sense of urgency and a window of opportunity for farm owners to transition out of the cruel trade. The stories emerging from these closures—involving everything from celebrity advocates to farmers switching to chili farming—are a testament to the powerful, positive change sweeping through the country right now.

The Dramatic Impact: Key Statistics and Entities of the 2025 Rescues

The operations conducted by Humane World for Animals (HWA) and Humane Society International (HSI) in 2025 have been among their most significant to date. These rescues are complex logistical efforts, involving on-the-ground negotiation, veterinary care, and international transport to adoption partners in the U.S. and Canada.

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• Primary Location: South Korea.
• Key Organizations: Humane World for Animals (HWA), formerly The Humane Society of the United States, and Humane Society International (HSI).
• Total Farms Shut Down: HSI has successfully negotiated the permanent closure of numerous dog meat farms, with one recent operation marking the organization’s 18th farm shutdown in the region.
• Number of Dogs Rescued (Recent Operations): Hundreds of dogs and puppies have been saved in recent months, with specific operations netting 67 dogs from one farm and 90 dogs and puppies from another. Another transport saw 50 dogs find sanctuary in the U.S.
• Breeds Rescued: The dogs rescued are often native Korean breeds, including Tosas, Jindo dogs, and various mixes, all suffering from severe neglect and trauma.
• Destination: The rescued dogs are transported to partner shelters across North America, including the Washington, D.C. area, and cities like Montreal, for rehabilitation and adoption.

1. The Countdown to the South Korea Dog Meat Ban (February 2027)

The most critical factor driving the current wave of farm closures is the impending South Korean government ban. In a monumental legislative move, the country passed a law to prohibit the breeding, selling, and slaughtering of dogs for human consumption.

The law mandates that all dog meat farms must cease operations by February 2027. This deadline has provided HSI with a powerful tool for negotiation. Instead of simply raiding farms, the organization works directly with farmers, offering a financial and practical transition package to help them switch to alternative, humane livelihoods. This farm closure model is a cornerstone of HSI’s strategy, ensuring the closure is permanent and mutually agreed upon.

Nearly 40% of the estimated 1,500 dog meat farms in the country have already closed their doors ahead of the 2027 deadline, a clear sign of the policy's success and the shifting cultural landscape.

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2. The Farmer Who Switched to Chili Farming

One of the most heartwarming outcomes of the transition program involves a farmer who willingly closed his operation. In a spring 2025 rescue, HWA and HSI saved 67 dogs from a farm whose owner agreed to transition to growing chili peppers instead of raising dogs for slaughter.

This dog farm transition is a perfect example of HSI’s "Model for Change," which offers financial assistance and practical support to dog meat farmers. The farmer's decision not only saved dozens of lives but also removed one more source of suffering from the Korean dog meat trade landscape permanently. The 67 rescued dogs were the last to be removed from the property, marking its complete and final closure.

3. Celebrity Advocacy: Daniel Henney’s Hands-On Rescue

The visibility of these rescue efforts was significantly boosted by the involvement of Korean-American actor Daniel Henney. In May 2025, Henney joined the Humane World for Animals team on the ground in South Korea to personally assist in a rescue operation.

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Henney’s participation drew international media attention to the plight of the dogs and the crucial work of the rescue teams. His advocacy highlights the growing support from influential public figures who are determined to see the Korean dog meat trade eradicated. By getting his hands dirty and helping to comfort the terrified animals, Henney provided a powerful message of compassion that resonated with audiences worldwide.

4. The Scale of Suffering: Rescuing 90 Dogs and Puppies

The sheer volume of animals trapped in these facilities is often staggering. A recent HSI operation involved saving 90 dogs and puppies from a single farm. The conditions the dogs endure are horrific: they are typically confined to barren, wire-floored cages with no protection from the elements, often suffering from malnutrition, disease, and psychological trauma.

The rescue team must work quickly and carefully to assess each animal’s health, provide immediate veterinary care, and begin the crucial process of socialization. Many of these dogs, including Tosas and Jindo dogs, have never felt grass beneath their paws or experienced a kind human touch. The rescue is only the first step in a long journey toward rehabilitation and a normal life.

5. The Journey to New Beginnings: International Transport and Adoption

Once rescued, the dogs face a complex logistical challenge: international transport. The dogs are flown overseas to partner shelters and humane societies in the U.S. and Canada. For example, a group of 23 dogs was transported to the Washington, D.C. area, while another group of over 80 dogs was taken to Montreal.

These international destinations are essential because the sheer number of dogs rescued often overwhelms local Korean shelters. The partner organizations, like Baypath Humane Society, play a vital role in the rehabilitation and adoption process, providing specialized care for dogs that have suffered extreme neglect.

6. The Emotional Scars: Rehabilitation and Trust

The journey for these dogs does not end upon arrival. Many suffer from "meat farm trauma," exhibiting extreme fear, anxiety, and an inability to trust humans. The rehabilitation process is intensive, requiring patience, specialized behavioral training, and a calm environment.

Shelters focus on helping the dogs learn basic life skills—walking on a leash, playing with toys, and even just relaxing in a comfortable bed. The ultimate goal is to find them a loving "forever home" where they can fully recover from their past. The success stories of these formerly terrified Jindo dogs and Tosas finding peace are the true measure of the rescue's impact.

7. How Humane World for Animals Ensures Permanent Change

Humane World for Animals (HWA) and HSI’s strategy is designed for long-term, systemic change, not just temporary relief. By shutting down farms through the transition program, they are permanently reducing the supply side of the dog meat trade. Furthermore, they are actively engaging with the South Korean government and local communities to ensure the 2027 ban is effectively implemented and enforced.

Their work extends to public awareness campaigns to shift consumer demand and cultural attitudes. The ongoing efforts to rescue dogs from the Korean dog meat trade, coupled with the political victory of the 2027 ban, represent a monumental step toward creating a truly humane world for all animals. Every donation and every adoption of a rescue dog contributes directly to this global movement.