"Several Came and Took It All"… 2 Tons of Pet Food for Wildfire-Affected Dogs Disappeared, Animal Groups Appeal for Return

Five to Six People Caught on CCTV Loading Pet Food at Dawn
Warning: "Legal Action Will Be Taken If Not Returned"

The animal rescue organization WeAct had 2 tons of pet food stolen that was meant to be distributed to dogs affected by the wildfire in Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk.

According to WeAct on the 28th, the organization's activists and volunteers stacked 2 tons of pet food for the wildfire-affected dogs at one side of the Yeongdeok County Sports Complex on the night of the 27th. However, when they came out to check the next morning on the 28th, all the stacked pet food had completely disappeared without a single bag left. The closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage they obtained clearly showed about five or six young men loading all the pet food around 6 a.m. on the 28th.

Animal rescue organization WeAct had 2 tons of feed intended for wildfire-affected animals stolen in Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk. WeAct Instagram

WeAct announced via social media (SNS) that if the pet food is not returned to its place by 5 p.m. on the 28th, they will take legal action. In Yeongdeok, many dogs were reportedly left alone without owners as residents urgently evacuated due to the wildfire spreading on the 25th and 26th.

The organization explained, "We gathered the pet food and were conducting searches based on this location, but while we were out searching, all the pet food disappeared, leaving volunteers and activists in a difficult situation," adding, "It has also become difficult to distribute the pet food to the residents in need." They further stated, "There is a small amount of pet food left in the vehicle, so feeding and providing water to the village dogs is still possible, but it is expected to run out soon," and apologized, saying, "We are sorry to the residents of Yeongdeok who were waiting for the pet food."

Earlier, WeAct announced via SNS that they arrived in Yeongdeok on the night of the 27th. The organization said, "Grandmothers and grandfathers who cannot drive or have difficulty moving are sharing eggs and ramen, which were delivered as relief supplies, with their companion animals," and added, "If there are families with pets living in Yeongdeok County who need pet food, they can come to the Yeongdeok County Sports Complex after 9 p.m. tonight."

Upon hearing the news of the large amount of pet food disappearing, netizens responded with comments such as "Humanity is disappearing. Are they even human?", "Put it back where it belongs," "They will be punished by heaven. Don't live like that," "In this difficult time, instead of helping, stealing pet food is beyond words," and "There were people who stole or committed fraud during past disasters as well," demanding the arrest and punishment of the thieves.