21 dogs rescued from slaughter ahead of 'Boknal'
Dogs are confined in cages on a dog meat farm in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, July 6. Courtesy of Humane Society InternationalBy Lee Hyo-jin Summer is the cruelest season for farmed dogs in Korea as it is the time when dog meat soup, “bosintang,” is traditionally eaten ― based on the long-held yet polarizing view that the meat of “man's best friend” is good for the “stamina” of those who consume it. The practice of eating dog meat, particularly on “Boknal,” the three hottest days of summer, is still observed to this day by a small number of Koreans.Romeo, Henry, Tori, Juliette and another 17 dogs on a dog farm in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province were due to be slaughtered last week for consumption on Boknal, which, this year fell on July 16. The farm was shut down by the city government earlier this year, for operating without a license. Out of the 59 dogs that were found there, 38 dogs were removed and taken to a shelter by the authorities. However, the other 21 canines were left behind, with the owner instructed to rehouse the dogs elsewhere, af
