On May 8, the city of Cheongju and the international animal protection organization “Humane World for Animals” transfer rescued dogs into carriers for overseas adoption from an illegal dog farm. (Image courtesy of Cheongju City)
CHEONGJU, South Korea, May 9 (Korea Bizwire) — For 68 dogs confined to wire cages, their lives had followed a bleak and all-too-familiar trajectory: bred for meat, denied space, proper food, or care, and ultimately destined for slaughter. But in a remarkable turn of fate, dozens of those dogs are now on their way to a new beginning — thousands of miles away, in the United States.
It began in February 2025, when an anonymous tip reached animal rights advocates in Cheongju. A notorious dog farm in the city’s Heungdeok District, they warned, was operating illegally, slaughtering dogs in violation of South Korea’s Animal Protection Act. The report prompted a swift response.
Upon inspection, city officials uncovered a grim scene: dog carcasses, blood-stained tools, and 68 Jindo-mix dogs crammed into narrow cages known locally as ddeun-jang — suspended wire pens that prevent animals from touching the ground.
Rescued Jindo mix dog
(Image courtesy of Cheongju City)
Some of the puppies had never taken a step on soil. Others were visibly malnourished or suffering from skeletal deformities due to years of nutritional neglect.
“Many were in urgent need of medical attention,” said Kim Sang-jin, head of the city’s animal protection team. “It was clear these animals had lived without kindness.”
The farm’s owner, who had run the operation for over 40 years, was charged with violating animal welfare laws. In an unusual but welcome development, he relinquished ownership of the animals to the city — and what followed was a large-scale, multi-month rescue effort.
Saving Lives, One Meal at a Time
With its shelter already at capacity, Cheongju’s Animal Protection Center scrambled to provide care. Some of the dogs remained on-site at the former farm, where city staff rotated in daily shifts to feed and comfort the traumatized animals. One dog gave birth to a litter during the rescue. A few puppies found adoptive homes in Korea — but many others, especially the larger dogs, remained without prospects.
That’s when international help arrived.
Humane World for Animals, a U.S.-based rescue organization, reached out with a proposal: Why not relocate the dogs to the U.S., where demand for adoptable large-breed dogs is far higher? With adoption rates for large dogs notoriously low in Korea — where pet owners overwhelmingly prefer small, apartment-friendly breeds — the offer couldn’t have come at a better time.
“It gave us hope,” said one city official. “Without adoption, these dogs could have remained in the shelter for years — or worse.”
A Star Lends a Hand
In early May, preparations accelerated. The dogs received full health screenings and vaccinations for rabies, canine coronavirus, and other illnesses. Special crates were prepared. Then, on May 8, 51 of the rescued dogs were carefully loaded into transport vehicles and taken to Incheon International Airport.
Among those lending a hand was actor Daniel Henney, a vocal advocate for animal welfare who adopted a retriever rescued from a Korean meat farm several years ago. His presence helped spotlight the dogs’ journey — and their second chance.
“It’s not just about saving animals,” Henney said. “It’s about changing hearts.”
Seventeen dogs, including nursing mothers and puppies too young to travel, will remain in Korea a little longer. Officials plan to send them overseas later this year once they’re strong enough for the trip.
Several rescued Jindo mix dogs are huddled together inside a cramped metal cage. (Image courtesy of Cheongju City)
A Broader Fight for Animal Welfare
Cheongju’s animal shelter cares for approximately 1,300 stray or abandoned animals each year. About 60% are adopted, and 20% are eventually reunited with their owners. But many remain in limbo — particularly larger dogs and older animals.
The city now runs a foster care system, allowing citizens to temporarily host animals for two months before committing to full adoption. It also provides veterinary subsidies to help low-income adopters care for their pets.
“The message is simple,” said Kim. “Don’t shop — adopt. These dogs deserve families, not cages.”
With a closed farm, dozens of lives saved, and a transcontinental rescue now complete, Cheongju’s mission is far from over — but this week, at least, it took a giant step forward.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
