"Licensed Breeding Facility Found Covered in Filth and Maggots... 300 Dogs Rescued on Ganghwado"

Numerous Dogs Kept in Floating Cages
Many at Risk of Limb Amputation

Approximately 300 dogs that had been kept at a breeding facility in poor conditions on Ganghwado Island, Incheon, have been rescued.

About 300 dogs were rescued from a breeding farm in Ganghwa Island, Incheon. Lucy's Friends

On July 26, Yonhap News reported that "Lucy's Friends," a coalition of animal protection organizations, rescued around 300 dogs that had been kept at a breeding facility on Ganghwado. Although this breeding facility was operated with a permit from the local government, it was found that none of the legal standards regarding management and care were being observed.

An official from the animal protection group visited the site on July 24 and stated, "Dogs with filth matted in their fur, unable to open their eyes, were being illegally kept on 'floating cages' (cages suspended above the ground) covered in piles of feces crawling with maggots." The official added, "Even the dogs kept on the ground were suffering from various skin diseases, their bodies covered in filth, in extremely unsanitary conditions." Furthermore, "Mother dogs and their puppies in the birthing area were relying on a single basket on top of floating cages, with the strong smell of ammonia filling the air." There was no drinking water available, and the dogs were being fed illegally collected livestock waste.

The animal protection organization took responsibility for the dogs' care after Ganghwa County implemented a temporary isolation measure. Upon inspection, many of the dogs were found to be at risk of limb necrosis or amputation. Some received emergency treatment from an on-site veterinarian due to symptoms of dehydration. The breeder reportedly resisted the rescue request, claiming, "This is how animals are raised." It was also revealed that the facility was being operated under someone else's name.

Lucy's Friends pointed out, "There are currently 84 animal breeding businesses operating in Incheon, with 49 of them located in Ganghwa County, yet the local government has not intervened." They further criticized, "Ganghwa County has not even established basic animal protection regulations." They emphasized, "While Incheon is developing as a forward-looking city, on the other side, companion animals are left to suffer in horrific conditions without any proper administrative guidance or protection." They called for "a comprehensive inspection of all companion animal breeding facilities throughout Incheon."

According to the Enforcement Rules of the Animal Protection Act, the floors of animal breeding facilities must not be made of mesh, the height of the enclosures must be such that animals can stand on their hind legs without their heads touching the ceiling, and dogs must be provided with exercise space. In other words, floating cages that do not touch the ground and have holes in the floor are illegal under the current Animal Protection Act.