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This report by DRM News vividly portrays the tragic plight of animals caught in South Korea’s worst wildfires, where countless dogs, cats, and farm animals were abandoned as over 30,000 residents evacuated. A particularly heartbreaking aspect highlighted is the discovery of numerous chained animals, predominantly dogs, who were unable to escape the inferno, enduring severe burns and immense trauma. Volunteer rescuers, like Kim Ha-won from CARE (Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth), risked their lives by working grueling 17-hour days to locate and save these helpless creatures. The emotional toll on these rescuers is palpable, as they expressed profound guilt and sorrow over the animals’ suffering and their inability to intervene during the immediate crisis.

The recovery process for these rescued animals is extensive and challenging. Many suffered from severe burns, with examples like “Charles (Cheolsu)” having widespread second or third-degree burns, and “Yeonghee” enduring excruciatingly peeled skin on her paws. The medical expenses for their rehabilitation were substantial, potentially reaching up to $10,000 per animal. Beyond the immediate rescue and medical treatment, this report underscores a critical systemic deficiency: the absence of comprehensive national protocols for animal rescue during disasters. Rescuers articulated that their limited, short-term efforts were insufficient to address the vast number of affected animals, advocating for a formalized system and guidelines, such as a manual, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The crisis further emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced animal welfare policies, including a ban on lifelong tethering and the implementation of mandatory companion animal evacuation plans during emergencies. The hope expressed by those involved in these efforts is that through sustained advocacy and policy changes, animals will no longer be left to suffer alone during such devastating natural disasters.

 

💗🐾🙏 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! 💙

For 25 years, CARE’s integrity in using donations has been recognized by South Korea’s Ministry of Justice,
as well as its citizens and communities.