CARE's Urgent Rescue: Saving 13 Dogs and Puppies from Frigid Neglect in Gimpo

CARE’s Urgent Rescue: Saving 13 Dogs and Puppies from Frigid Neglect in Gimpo

posted by KoreanDogs.org team on March 19,2025 in Uncategorized

Sharing for Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE)

It began with a heart-wrenching photograph: a white dog, tethered to a container in the pouring rain, exposed to the elements. As night fell and a snowstorm threatened, CARE activists knew they had to act. They convened an urgent meeting, their concern growing with each gust of wind and heavy raindrop. At two in the morning, CARE rose, determined to save the dog.

The location was a remote area of Gimpo, where the owner appeared to be practicing ‘Albakgi’ (알박기), a Korean term for ‘hold out.’ This strategy likely aimed to secure compensation from the government’s dog farmer compensation plan, which provides financial incentives for ceasing dog meat farming. Saebyeok (Dawn in Korean, given by CARE after the rescue), the white dog, was found tied amidst piles of trash, soaked and shivering in the rain and snow.

Since the owner was unknown and no one lived at the location, the only way to rescue Saebyeok without illegal action was to post a note at the spot, indicating the urgent need for rescue. Knowing they could not simply take the dog without legal repercussions, the activists untied Saebyeok’s heavy metal leash and posted a notice: “Leaving an animal in extreme cold to suffer is a criminal act. We will take this dog to Gimpo City Hall.” They then transported Saebyeok to the city hall, explaining the emergency and requesting administrative intervention.

It was past 4 a.m., but the city hall staff, thankfully, opened their doors, providing Saebyeok with water and food. However, the early hours and upcoming holidays made finding suitable shelter challenging, as administrative tasks without responsible personnel at dawn were problematic. Therefore, with Gimpo’s approval, CARE visited two animal hospitals and, after numerous difficulties, finally succeeded in admitting Saebyeok for treatment. It was then discovered that he was suffering from heartworms.

The white dog’s plight was clear: forced to endure the bitter winter without shelter and left untreated for his illness, he was a victim of animal abuse. Saebyeok’s heartworm diagnosis confirmed the extent of his neglect. His rescue exposed a wider scene of horror: over a dozen dogs trapped in raised wire cages, submerged in six inches of excrement. This site was a breeding ground of misery, where dogs were left to a slow, agonizing death.

The Gimpo City Hall’s initial response was passive, delaying necessary quarantine measures. The owner, who rarely visited the site, attempted to move the dogs elsewhere, a move the city seemed willing to condone. The situation was dire; the dogs’ lives were in grave danger without immediate relinquishment of ownership.

CARE persisted. They pressured the owner through relentless calls and legal explanations, who finally surrendered all the dogs. This marked a historic moment: the first instance in South Korea where pre-rescue and post-administrative measures were demanded in an urgent animal welfare crisis.

Four days after Saebyeok’s rescue, all 13 dogs were finally freed from the ‘Hold Out’ site. CARE, along with individual rescuers, and the Angel Project, divided the rescued animals, giving them a chance at a new life. One dog, still wandering nearby, was being pursued with a capture trap.

The rescue was a triumph, but the work was far from over. CARE now faced the daunting task of providing medical care for Saebyeok’s heartworm and covering the treatment and overseas adoption expenses for three puppies destined to grow into large dogs – $6,300 USD (9 million won).

To support these efforts, CARE urgently needs foster families and donations. Operating solely on membership fees and donations, CARE continues its relentless mission without government support, proving that despite immense challenges, compassion and determination can bring hope and salvation to those in desperate need. Please consider donating today to help CARE continue this life-saving work. Thank you!

Streamed live on Mar 5, 2025 by CARE: All dogs neglected with Saebyeok in Gimpo have been rescued. 김포 새벽이와 함께 방치된 개들 모두 탈출!

💗🐾🙏 In addition to these recent rescues, CARE provides a sanctuary for 800 dogs at their shelters, all rescued from the horrors of dog meat farms and puppy mills. Your donation will support CARE’s vital mission to end the dog meat trade and animal cruelty in South Korea, and will directly assist with the medical care, fostering, and overseas adoption of these deserving dogs.
You can make a one-time or monthly donation via PayPal. 👉 https://animalrights.or.kr/pages/paypal.php
Thank you for your support! 💙

💗 Donate Monthly

💗 Donate One Time

💗 To donate to Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE), the best option is to contribute directly to them. However, we have set up a GoFundMe page for those who prefer an alternative where you can donate and share with your friends and family. Rest assured, 100% of the funds raised on GoFundMe will be donated to CARE. (South Korea is not on the list of Countries supported on GoFundMe, so KoreanDogs.org is raising money for CARE instead.) 👉 GoFundMe Link: https://gofund.me/d483838d

✍ Sign the Petition

Call for Action

👉 Click HERE to file a petition with the South Korean government through e-People online. (You can use our “Suggested message” below or write your own.)
📌 Need help with the e-People petition? Click HERE for instructions.

👉 📧 Send emails to the members of the Gimpo City Council, the Gyeonggi Province Assembly, and the South Korean National Assembly.

👉 📬 Send letters to the Gimpo City Government.

Mayor Kim Byung-soo
City of Gimpo
Saujungro1 Gimpo-si Gyeonggi-do
Postal Code 10109
South Korea

Gimpo City Council
Saujungro 1, Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do
Postal Code 10109
South Korea

📬 Gimpo’s addresses in Korean:
김병수 김포 시장님
김포시청
경기도 김포시 사우중로 1(사우동) 10109
South Korea

김포시의회
경기도 김포시 사우중로 1(사우동) 10109
South Korea

👉 📬Send letter to the South Korean President.

Office of the President of the Republic of Korea
[04383] 22 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
South Korea

📬 South Korean President’s addresses in Korean:
대한민국 대통령실
[04383] 서울특별시 용산구 이태원로 22
South Korea

📝 Suggested message

Animal Abuse in Gimpo: Request for Immediate Investigation, Reform and Protection of Animals

To: South Korea’s National Assembly Members
Gimpo City Government
Gyeonggi Province Government
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs(MAFRA)

To the City of Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA),

I am writing to express my profound concern and request immediate action regarding the recent and egregious case of animal abuse and neglect uncovered in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. The harrowing situation involving 13 dogs and puppies, including the rescued dog named Saebyeok, underscores the urgent need for decisive measures to protect animal welfare within your jurisdictions.

As you know, Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE) activists rescued Saebyeok, a white dog tethered to a container in severe weather, from a site in Gimpo. Subsequent investigations revealed that over a dozen other dogs were confined in deplorable conditions, suffering from neglect, exposure, and untreated illnesses. The site was suspected to be a case of “Albakgi” (알박기), where animals are held as collateral for potential compensation related to the government’s dog farmer compensation plan.

In the interest of ensuring the welfare of animals and preventing future incidents, we respectfully request your consideration of the following actions:

First, we request a comprehensive investigation into the animal abuse and neglect case in Gimpo. This investigation must identify all responsible parties and ascertain the full extent of the abuse.

Second, we request that the perpetrator(s) responsible for the animal abuse and neglect be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This prosecution must serve as a deterrent to future acts of animal cruelty.

Third, we request that the City of Gimpo and MAFRA implement active inspection and enforcement measures to identify and address animal abuse and neglect cases within their jurisdictions. This must include regular inspections of sites where animals are kept.

Fourth, we request that MAFRA take immediate action to prevent future “hold out” related animal abuse cases. This includes reevaluating and revising the dog farmer compensation plan to include strict animal welfare guidelines and oversight, implementing proactive measures to identify and address potential “hold out” situations involving animals, and collaborating with animal welfare organizations to develop and implement effective prevention strategies.

Finally, we demand that the City of Gimpo and MAFRA provide transparent and regular public reports on the progress of the investigation and the implementation of preventive measures.

The animals involved in this case suffered prolonged and severe neglect, resulting in physical and emotional distress. The initial passive response from the City of Gimpo highlights the need for systemic changes in animal welfare enforcement. Using animals as collateral for financial gain is unacceptable and must be prevented. An online petition is currently underway, urging the City of Gimpo and MAFRA to take immediate and decisive action to address this animal abuse case and implement measures to prevent future occurrences: https://chng.it/Vkx9qMkByL The welfare of animals within your jurisdictions is a matter of public concern and requires your urgent attention.

Sincerely,

📝 Suggested message in Korean

김포시 동물 학대: 즉각적인 수사, 개혁 및 동물 보호 요청

수신: 대한민국 국회의원, 김포시청, 경기도청, 농림축산식품부 (MAFRA)

김포시, 경기도, 농림축산식품부에 청원합니다.

최근 경기도 김포에서 발생한 심각한 동물 학대 및 방치 사건에 대해 깊은 우려를 표하며 즉각적인 조치를 요청하고자 합니다. 구조된 개 새벽을 포함하여 총 13명의 개와 강아지들이 처한 끔찍한 상황은 해당 관할 내 동물 복지를 보호하기 위한 단호한 조치가 시급히 필요함을 보여줍니다.

동물권단체 케어(CARE) 활동가들은 혹독한 날씨 속에 컨테이너에 묶여 있던 백구 새벽을 김포의 한 현장에서 구조했습니다. 이후 추가 조사 결과, 열세 명 이상의 개들이 비참한 환경에서 방치되어 굶주림과 질병으로 고통받고 있음이 밝혀졌습니다. 해당 현장은 정부의 개 농장주 전·폐업 인센티브 정책과 관련하여 보상을 목적으로 동물을 담보로 잡아두는 “알박기” 사례로 의심됩니다.

이에 따라, 동물 복지를 보장하고 유사 사건의 재발을 방지하기 위해 다음과 같은 조치를 강력히 요청합니다.

1. 김포에서 발생한 동물 학대 및 방치 사건에 대한 철저한 조사를 요청합니다. 모든 책임자를 밝혀내고 학대의 전모를 규명해야 합니다.

2. 가해자에 대한 법적 처벌을 강력히 요구합니다. 이번 사건의 가해자는 법에 따라 엄중히 처벌받아야 하며, 이는 향후 동물 학대 행위를 방지하는 강력한 경고가 되어야 합니다.

3. 김포시와 농림축산식품부(MAFRA)는 동물 학대 및 방치 사례를 적발하고 대응하기 위한 적극적인 점검 및 단속을 시행해야 합니다. 동물이 사육되는 장소에 대한 정기적인 검사가 포함되어야 합니다.

4. 농림축산식품부(MAFRA)는 “알박기” 관련 동물 학대 사례를 방지하기 위한 즉각적인 조치를 취해야 합니다. 이를 위해 개 농장 보상 정책을 재검토하고, 엄격한 동물 복지 기준과 감독을 포함해야 합니다. 또한, 동물 학대 가능성이 있는 “알박기” 사례를 선제적으로 파악하고 대응하는 대책을 마련해야 하며, 동물 보호 단체와 협력하여 효과적인 예방 전략을 수립하고 실행해야 합니다.

5. 김포시와 농림축산식품부(MAFRA)는 이번 사건에 대한 조사 진행 상황 및 예방 조치 시행 현황을 투명하게 공개하고, 정기적인 보고서를 발표해야 합니다.

이번 사건에서 구조된 동물들은 장기간의 극심한 방치와 학대로 인해 심각한 신체적·정신적 고통을 겪었습니다. 김포시의 초기 미온적인 대응은 동물 복지 집행 시스템의 근본적인 개혁이 필요함을 여실히 보여줍니다. 또한, 재정적 이익을 위해 동물을 담보로 삼는 행태는 결코 용납될 수 없으며, 반드시 근절되어야 합니다.

김포시와 농림축산식품부(MAFRA)가 이번 동물 학대 사건에 대해 신속하고 강력한 조치를 취하며, 유사 사건의 재발을 방지하기 위한 제도적 개선을 촉구하는 온라인 청원이 진행 중입니다: https://chng.it/Vkx9qMkByL 김포시 정부와 농림축산식품부(MAFRA)가 동물과 사람이 함께하는 더 자비롭고 공정한 사회를 만들어가길 바라며, 본 청원에 대한 명확하고 투명한 답변을 기대합니다.

👉 Post on X.

.@President_KR .@ggholic .@dy_future #Gimpo #SouthKorea Justice for Saebyeok and Gimpo’s Abused Dogs: Prosecute Abusers, Reform, Protect Dogs! ✍️ Petition: https://chng.it/Vkx9qMkByL ✊Call for Action: https://koreandogs.org/care-gimpo-rescue

Categories: Uncategorized