Stray Dog Awaiting Adoption Found with Bullet Fragments During Hospital Exam
Over Three Hours Spent on Surgery to Remove Pellets
Adoption Blocked Due to Injuries
A stray white dog named Baekgu, who was found wandering with dozens of bullet fragments embedded throughout his body, has been rescued and is now looking for a new family. On June 25, VIP Animal Medical Center announced that they discovered more than 70 shotgun pellets lodged in Baekgu’s body after his recent rescue and have begun efforts to remove them. At the time of rescue, there were no visible bullet wounds on Baekgu’s exterior.
The medical center explained that the shotgun pellets were discovered during an X-ray taken as part of a health check ahead of Baekgu’s planned overseas adoption. As a result, Baekgu’s adoption became impossible. The center immediately proceeded with detailed examinations, including X-rays and CT (computed tomography) scans. Ahn Seungyeop, director of VIP Animal Medical Center, stated, “There were so many bullets from his head to his shoulders, chest, hips, and legs,” adding, “It’s a miracle he’s alive.”
The surgery to remove the shotgun pellets lasted more than three hours. Because it was impossible to visually identify all the pellets, the use of a fluoroscope extended the operation time. Director Ahn explained, “It was realistically impossible to remove all the pellets at once, so we focused on removing as many as possible from Baekgu’s face,” and reported that a total of 26 fragments were extracted. The hospital plans to determine whether additional surgeries are necessary after analyzing the composition of the removed fragments.
Currently, after being discharged, Baekgu is waiting for a family under the name Gwidong. Dogusplanet, the organization in charge of Baekgu’s rescue and adoption, commented, “Even if Gwidong has a few scars on his face, he has many charms that can be felt beyond what is visible. He can be a truly wonderful family member and friend, so we hope people will see his beauty.”
Previously, on June 8 in Geoje, Gyeongnam, a puppy was found after being shot with BB gun pellets. At around 1 a.m., three men in their twenties fired hundreds of BB pellets at four dogs in the yard of a restaurant. As a result of this incident, two dogs suffered eye injuries, and one died. The investigation found that two of the perpetrators were soldiers. The police referred the two soldiers’ cases to the military, while the civilian man was booked on charges of violating the Animal Protection Act, trespassing, and property damage.
Meanwhile, animal abuse cases continue to rise. According to the “2024 Survey on the Status of Companion Animal Protection and Welfare” released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in May 2025, the registered number of companion dogs and cats reached a record high of 3,491,607. Among these, violations of the Animal Protection Act also hit an all-time high, with 1,293 cases reported last year, a 12.8% increase from 1,146 cases in 2023.
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