International Day for Korean Dogs and Cats - July 25
IDA to hold protests concurrent with events around the globe

This year, IDA will again join forces with Animal Freedom Korea (AFK) against dog and cat meat consumption by co-hosting the third annual International Day for Korean Dogs and Cats. This year's global day of action, co-sponsored by Korean animal protection groups CARE and KAAP, will take place on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, to coincide with the first of Korea's "Bok days" (literally, the hot, dog days of summer). Some South Koreans eat more dog meat this time of year because they believe eating animals who do not sweat will keep them cool.

In the past two years, IDA and AFK successfully organized activists from a dozen countries-from North and South America to Europe, Africa, and Asia-for this international day of protest. In the U.S., demonstrators converged on Korean consulates and embassies in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; San Francisco and Los Angeles, Calif.; and Portland, Ore. to oppose the illegal eating of cats and dogs in South Korea. Click here to see pictures of previous events.

Many of the dogs slaughtered for meat in South Korea are either raised under harsh conditions on meat ranches or strays captured by butchers. About one third are animal companions, stolen from their families' yards, homes, and lives. They are packed into cages and trucked to market, where they are electrocuted, strangled, or bludgeoned to death, then cooked and eaten.

In Western society, cats and dogs are among our closest and most loyal friends. South Koreans also have animal companions, who they love and protect from harm. The canine and feline species were genetically selected by humans, tamed over centuries, and therefore dependent on us in many ways. Tragically, there are some in South Korea value cats and dogs more for their flesh than for their lives. That is why these animal victims need us to speak up for them this July 25.

What You Can Do

Please join IDA and other animal advocates in pressuring the South Korean government to enforce a ban against the eating of dogs and cats. IDA will hold a demonstration outside of the South Korean consulate in San Francisco, Calif. on July 25, and we hope you will join us.

What: San Francisco protest against South Korean dog and cat meat trade
When: Wednesday, July 25 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Republic of Korea Consulate General in San Francisco, 3500 Clay Street
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- Organize a protest at the Korean Embassy or Consulate nearest you on or around July 25! If you don't live in a city with an Embassy or Consulate, you can still organize a demonstration in a busy location with a lot of foot traffic. Write to koreandogs@idausa.org and we'll add your event to our protest page and send you posters and leaflets.

Please visit our campaign on Korean animal abuse to learn more about IDA's efforts to stop the Korean dog and cat meat industry.