A new chapter has begun for 67 lucky dogs once trapped on a South Korean dog meat farm—thanks to the lifesaving work of Humane World for Animals and a dedicated team of volunteers, including actor and longtime animal advocate Daniel Henney.
A New Ban, A New Beginning for South Korea
Earlier this year, authorities in Cheongju, South Korea, shut down a dog meat operation that had been running for four decades. The owner, who bred dogs and served their meat in his restaurant, was found to be in violation of the country’s Animal Protection Act and has since transitioned to chili farming.
That’s when Humane World for Animals stepped in. With South Korea’s official ban on the dog meat trade set to take full effect in 2027, the February 2025 rescue marks a major milestone in the fight to end the industry—and offered a lifeline to the dogs left behind.
Among those rescued, most were Jindo mixes as well as newborn puppies and pregnant mothers, all living in harsh, confined conditions. But thanks to the volunteers on the ground—and the compassionate heart of actor Daniel Henney—they’re now on their way to finding their forever homes.
Star Power Meets Compassion
Henney, known for his roles in The Wheel of Time and Criminal Minds, is no stranger to animal welfare causes. A proud pet parent of a dog that was also rescued from a meat farm and vocal supporter of Humane World for Animals, the 45-year-old actor flew to South Korea to assist with the rescue operation in person. In videos and photos shared by the organization, Henney is seen helping dogs out of wire cages and into clean travel crates, visibly moved by the moment.
“They’re not even eating their food,” Henney says in one video, stroking a gentle Jindo-mix. “They just want love.” His presence brought not only much-needed hands-on help, but attention to a cause that often goes unseen. Henney was able to tour the entire property noting that it appeared dogs were killed in front of their caged, furry friends. It was also pointed out that there were still visible blood stains on a cutting board.
A New Future for 67 Dogs
The rescued dogs are being transported to shelters and rescue partners in the United States, where they’ll receive medical care, socialization, and ultimately be placed into loving homes.
“In all the years our charity has been rescuing dogs from these dog meat farms, this is the first time we have done so knowing that a ban is finally consigning this terrible suffering to the history books,” Sangkyung Lee, the campaign manager for Humane World for Animals Korea, said in a statement. “That’s an amazing feeling. While the law is successfully dismantling the dog meat industry, we are happy to be able to provide a bright future for the dogs on this farm.”
The Work Continues
While this rescue is a big win, Humane World for Animals emphasizes that there are still thousands of dogs in South Korea and across Asia who remain trapped in the dog meat trade. The organization continues to work toward enforcement of the upcoming ban, offering transition support to farmers and advocating for humane treatment of all animals.
And now, thanks to this powerful team effort, 67 dogs are finally getting the chance to become just that.
