[INTERVIEW] Former dog meat farmer finds new life after freeing 200 dogs

A former dog meat farmer surnamed Yang speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his farm in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, June 27. Korea Times photo by Lee Hae-rin

Animal advocacy program paves way for ending Korea's dog meat trade

By Lee Hae-rin

ASAN, South Chungcheong Province ― "Here, look at my farm. We have everything," said a former dog meat farm owner, who asked to be identified only by his surname Yang, pointing to his lush field filled with a variety of crops in Asan, South Chungcheong Province. "My life has never been better!"

Until March, the 496-square-meter compound was the dismal dwelling for some 200 dogs in rusted and filthy cages. The space once filled with barks and stench of food waste and feces has been transformed into a serene farm, now flourishing with sweet potatoes, peppers, cabbage, beans and more.

Yang, 73, said he feels like a "celebrity enjoying country life on a reality TV show" now that he has given up his 30-year profession of dog meat farming. "It's so much fun to cultivate all these crops and watch them grow. My life is great!" he said with a big smile.

Born at the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War in the southern mountainous village of Namwon, North Jeolla Province, Yang originally drove cargo trucks for a living for 20 years. He didn't always want to run a dog meat farm, he said during an interview with The Korea Times in his living room, June 27.

"But then I thought, this will send me to an early grave," he said, referring to the intensive workload and frequent cases of falling asleep at the wheel. So Yang decided to buy a small patch of land and settle in Asan to raise cattle, but found himself adopting stray dogs.

Despite his affection for dogs, Yang also believed in the health benefits of dog meat consumption, something deeply rooted in local traditions. "There is nothing tastier and healthier than dog meat, you know. I can have it all my life and never grow sick of it," Yang said.

As a dog meat farmer, he said he worked with pride and devotion. However, about three or four years ago he no longer saw a future in the industry, as he felt consumer demand was waning while the social perceptions towards his profession turned negative. He said he lived in constant fear and guilt over the years.

He also felt he was growing too old to control dogs. Last fall, he even lost a finger when a dog bit him. The finger was reattached through an operation, but it's lost a lot of flexibility.

Yang shows his right middle finger, which had to be surgically reattached after being bitten off by a dog last year. Korea Times photo by Lee Hae-rin

"So I've been thinking, 'if only I can find a way to quit,'" Yang said.

That's when he started contemplating an exit from the industry and learned about the Humane Society International (HSI).

HSI Korea's Models for Change campaign had already helped close down 17 dog farms, rescued over 2,500 dogs and assisted farmers in transitioning to more humane livelihoods since 2015.

However, the decision still was not so easy for Yang due to harsh criticism from his fellow dog meat traders who viewed animal advocacy groups with hostility.

"They (meat traders) called me a traitor and treated me like an animal. 'It's all a scam,' they yelled, but I decided to trust my son, because he said he will trust me, too," Yang said, referring to Lee Sang-kyung, campaign manager of HSI Korea, who took two months to build trust and convince Yang through several phone calls and visits.

HSI Korea campaigner Lee Sang-kyung rescues a dog from a cage at Yang's farm, March 7. Courtesy of Humane Society International Korea

Dogs are locked up in cages at Yang's farm before the HSI's rescue operation, March 27. Courtesy of Humane Society International Korea

"I was very surprised to see my son smiling even when covered in feces while bringing dogs out of cages," Yang said, "He's somehow better than me, who traded dogs for over 30 years, I thought."

Although Yang had spent his career calling dogs based on their weight, similar to pieces of meat sold at a butcher shop, he finally called them by the names given by the activists on their last day at the farm, wishing them a better life elsewhere.

The rescue operation in March was joined by workers from the U.S., U.K., India, Mexico and Costa Rica. The nearly 200 dogs rescued are now in Korea and North America in search of forever families.

Now, Yang and his wife are sustained by their bountiful farm. He appreciates the freedom to travel and attend church more often. "I have no regrets. I feel so much better," he said, adding that he believes other dog meat farmers will follow his lead if given the right support.

HSI Korea campaigner Lee Sang-kyung, left, and former dog meat farmer Yang pose at Yang's farm, June 27. Korea Times photo by Lee Hae-rin

Korea remains the only country in the world where dogs are intensively farmed and slaughtered for human consumption. Although the custom of eating dog meat has been found throughout Asia, many countries including Taiwan, the Philippines and Singapore have banned the practice.

According to the latest government statistics, over 1,150 dog farms similar to or bigger than Yang's exist, raising around 520,000 dogs for human consumption. However, less than two out of 10 Koreans have consumed dog meat over the last year, according to HSI's 2022 survey with Nielsen Korea.

However, calls are intensifying for a legislative ban. Recent bills proposed by lawmakers of both ruling and opposition parties at the National Assembly aim to ban dog meat trade and provide financial aid and professional job transition guidance for people in the industry, mirroring HSI's campaign.

Lee believes Yang's case sheds light on finding a humanitarian and sustainable way to terminate the cruel trade in Korea.

"We're provoking a new concept to them (dog meat farmers) … and it will bring a bigger change in their lives than to the animal groups," Lee said. "I think it's the job of the government and animal groups to open their minds and work with them."