Rescuer 'Baekgu' Bound with Rubber Bands: "Kidneys and Heart All Damaged... Slowly Improving"

"Receiving Intensive Care at Hospital"
"Rare to Find Stray Dogs with Collars or Leashes... Suspected Abuse"

Jindo dog Baekgu with face tied and injured by industrial rubber band / Photo by Internet homepage capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] As the case of the Jindo dog 'Baekgu,' suspected to have been abused with its muzzle tied with an industrial rubber band, has come to light, public outrage is growing. The animal protection organization that conducted the rescue operation has stated that Baekgu's physical condition is "improving."

Kim Sehyun, director of Beagle Rescue Network, said in an interview on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show' on the 15th, "(Baekgu) is currently at the hospital. On the first day, he was dehydrated, had very high inflammation levels, and the results showed his kidneys were in poor condition," but added, "He is now receiving intensive treatment and is gradually improving."

Director Kim also detailed the situation when Baekgu was first found. He said, "I was driving near the Geumji Intersection in Wolpo-ri, Sangjeon-myeon, Jinan-gun, when I noticed a dog with an unusual mouth. I stopped the car and looked down," adding, "Baekgu was panting with his mouth tightly curled and was so weak he couldn't even walk."

He continued, "Because he was in pain, he couldn't eat the dog food. When we loosened his mouth, he opened and closed it while breathing and drank water greedily," and added, "Since he couldn't eat or drink, his kidneys and heart were all damaged."

According to Director Kim, the police have started an investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage, to determine whether Baekgu was abused.

The white dog was confirmed to have worsened health, with severe swelling near its snout and necrosis in some parts of its body. / Photo by Internet Homepage Capture

Regarding this, he said, "In my personal opinion, it is rare for abandoned dogs to be left with collars or leashes still attached. I suspect this friend was tied up after being abused and then escaped," adding, "I want to ask why the abuser tormented and abused such a kind Baekgu. I hope they are caught and severely punished."

Earlier, the Beagle Rescue Network, to which Director Kim belongs, recently rescued Baekgu. When the organization first found Baekgu, his muzzle was tightly bound with an industrial rubber band (a thick commercial rubber band), and because a long time had passed in that state, the inside of his mouth had become necrotic. The organization explained, "Baekgu was diagnosed as needing four weeks of hospitalization," and added, "He was so thin that his pelvis was visible."

Photos released by the organization show clear marks around Baekgu's muzzle where the band had been tied. His muzzle was severely swollen to the point that its original shape was hard to recognize, and blood had spread in various places around his mouth.

The Beagle Rescue Network pointed out, "If we had not noticed Baekgu with his muzzle tied on a dark roadside under a bridge, a life might have been lost amid the noise of cars," and warned, "The criminal who committed animal abuse and abandonment could have gotten away without proper punishment," urging strict punishment for Baekgu's abuser.