International Aid for Korean Animals

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International Aid for Korean Animals

Welcome to the official web site for International Aid for Korean Animals (IAKA). IAKA had long campaigned and petitioned for its reform.

IAKA's mission is to promote the humane treatment of animals by raising awareness of the human consumption of dogs and cats in South Korea, educating the public about animal protection and care & advocating for stronger animal protection laws. IAKA is a non-profit organization founded by Kyenan K*m in 1997 to promote animal protection and humane education in Korea. Since its inception Kyenan has t

irelessly campaigned around the world, educating the international community about the difficult conditions for dogs and cats in Korea. A major victory for IAKA came in 2007 with the revision and strengthening of Korea’s 1991 Animal Protection law.

30/11/2024

Early this year, the South Korean Parliament passed a ban on the sale and farming of dogs for consumption. Starting in 2027, the Dog Consumption Prohibition Act prohibits raising, breeding, transportation, and slaughtering dogs for consumption or distributing and selling food products prepared or processed using dogs as raw materials. The law includes provisions for compensation to farmers and other businesses, with extra financial incentives included if they transition before the 3-year grace period ends in February 2027. Regrettably, dogs will suffer another 3 years of slaughtering and cruelty. Violators who slaughter a dog for meat are subject to imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of 30 million won (roughly $22,000) and those who breed dogs for meat or sell dog meat face imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine of up to 20 million won (roughly $15,000). Some farmers and other dog meat supporters are still challenging the ruling, which they claim is unconstitutional and infringes on a person's right to choose their occupation and food.

We will see how things progress over the coming year. Despite the challenges, we remain hopeful for the future. We are optimistic about this transition's potential and its positive impact on animal welfare in Korea.

This year, IAKA continued to assist with spay/neuter surgeries and medical expenses for several rescue shelters. Some of these shelters have also been extremely busy finishing up construction on new shelters or remodeling their current facilities. All of the shelters have been busy rescuing animals and adopting them out, mostly to foreign countries in Europe, the US, and Canada.

As always, I am so thankful for your continued support over the years. This 2024 Winter newsletter will be IAKA's last printed newsletter, but we will continue to operate our website and support a few, carefully selected, struggling shelters to aid with spay/neuter and medical expenses for as long as we are able.

Wishing all of our supporters Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

Kyenan K*m
IAKA Founder

Read more at: www.koreananimals.org

13/04/2024

We normally send out our newsletter once per year but I couldn’t wait to give you the good news from Korea. On January 7th 2024 the Korean Parliament passed a bill banning the farming of dogs and the sale of dog meat. The Special Act to ban dog meat will begin a three-year phaseout, ending legal dog farming and the sale of dog meat by 2027. The bill was passed with rare bipartisan support, signaling a major cultural shift of the Korean people.

When I heard the news that the law was being proposed I thought it would take a while to pass, I was not expecting the announcement so soon. After decades of campaigning for the welfare of Korean dogs, I cannot truly convey the joy I feel at this moment. I know this does not solve all the problems but it must be recognized as a major victory for the cause and an enormous leap in progress.

Since that time I have been working with local Korean animal shelters and animal rescues to make sure they are moving in the right direction. To help make sure they have the resources to educate people, feed and house their animals, afford medical care, and run spay/neuter operations. For a long time I did not have any hope for legally banning dog meat consumption, but I have noted a change in the social attitudes of a majority of the Korean population, especially in the last few years, toward dogs and cats – with an increase in pet ownership and a significant decrease in dog meat consumption. The current President and First Lady of Korea are noted animal lovers and have been vocal advocates for animal welfare reform. There has also been an increase in the number of animal welfare groups and animal rescues/shelters in Korea.

I would like to take a moment to express gratitude toward the many animal rescues and shelters working on the ground in Korea at this moment, to the various animal advocacy groups in Korea, to the President and First Lady for supporting great progress from their position of power, and most expressly to you – the many supporters of IAKA who fought for, and hoped, and believed that a moment like this was possible. I am so overjoyed to share this moment with you and so grateful for your support.

Kyenan K*m, IAKA Founder

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http://www.koreananimals.org/

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