Baypath Helps Dogs Rescued from the South Korea Meat Trade
In July 2021, Baypath Humane Society began its partnership with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in their mission to rescue dogs from certain death in the South Korean meat trade. It is estimated that 2 million dogs a year are raised on farms for human consumption.
Dogs are kept in barren cages without food, water, or access to medical care until they are ultimately inhumanely killed.
Below is an incredible video sent to us by David, a gentleman that cared for Benny and Benny’s son, Benco. David was allowed to keep Benny and Benco at the kiwi factory during the transition from the meat market until they were rescued by HSUS and their international rescue, Humane Society International (HSI).
HSUS and HSI created an innovative program that works with Korean farmers to surrender the animals and then helps the farmers begin more humane and profitable livelihoods.
That same month Baypath received its first four rescues from HSUS. In preparation for their arrival we developed a plan for resources, including medical and behavioral care, and potential foster homes. When the pups arrived trembling, clustered together, and cowering, even when gently approached, our staff was ready for the challenge of caring for these completely overwhelmed animals. Their world was kept small and every effort was made to allow the dogs to decompress and begin to adjust to all of the sights, smells, and sounds in the shelter environment. They had never been patted, sat in a lap, worn a collar, or walked on a leash, so we took baby steps with them. If they have doggy friends, we let them stay together, we use food puzzles and toys for enrichment and eventually we do gain their trust.
We then introduce them to more people (staff and volunteers). We want them to gain confidence and become outgoing pups ready to be someone’s beloved pet. What an incredible accomplishment for all of the efforts of so many across the globe to come together to help these sweet, gentle dogs.
Through this structured positive reinforcement decompression program, we have been able to successfully place these dogs into loving homes. We are currently looking for a home for our remaining three guests: Susan very sweet and and a very sweet bonded pair, Maia and Max the Racoon.
As always, the staff at Baypath are amazed at the resilience of these dogs. The amount of forgiveness in their hearts towards humans for the unknown and unspoken cruelties they have experienced and seen is so admirable and inspirational.
Please watch the incredible journey of this adorable, adopted, and bonded pair, Liam and Nelly, from Korea to their forever homes:
Click on photos for stories on how these exceptional dogs have overcome unknown obstacles and for never knowing what their eyes have seen.
