Free Korean Dogs is a not for profit registered Canadian charity (BN:80580 0166RR0001) founded in Toronto on July 1st in 2015. We rescue dogs from Korea’s dog meat trade and find their forever loving homes in Canada.
Millions of dogs are slaughtered for meat consumption in Korea every year. Most of them are kept in tiny, overcrowded cages in dog meat farms and provided no water or shelter from the elements, and given only scraps of waste to eat. It is also common practice for dogs to be brutally tortured prior to slaughter as it is believed to enhance flavor and nutritional healing properties, despite an overwhelming lack evidence to support these claims.
Korea is the only country in the world that commercially farms dogs for food. Lack of legislation regulating the Korean dog meat trade result in the lack of standards for safety or humane treatment. Simply speaking, dogs can be obtained by any means, whether stray or farmed, and treated in unfathomable inhumane manners without consequence. The dog meat trade in Korea is a legislative gray area and political landmine that nobody in power wants to address.
Rescue, Adoption, and Public Awareness
Our international rescue and adoption program saves over hundreds of dogs each year from the Korean dog meat trade and finds their homes in Canada. Since 2015, we have shut down two dog meat farm operations, rescued over two hundreds dogs from the dog meat trade, and found forever homes for over seven hundreds dogs rescued from euthanasia or the risk of being forced into the meat trade.
We also promote public awareness to create a cultural shift from cruelty to compassion for dogs in Korea through campaigns, protests, and events. Through rescue, rehabilitation, and education, we hope one day all dogs and animals can lead peaceful and happy lives.
Our Team
EK Park, Founder and Executive Director
EK Park is the founder of Free Korean Dogs. Born in South Korea and based in Toronto, Canada, EK is a photographer, videographer, and animal lover.
Although she grew up on a farm in the Korean countryside, it wasn’t until she returned many years later that she truly realized the cruelty that Korean dogs endure as a result of the dog meat industry. That’s when she realized that she must use all available means to give Korean dogs the love they deserve. Read EK’s story »
William Yang, Board of Directors
With 22 years of work experience in the financial industry, William’s in-depth knowledge in business operation, finances & leadership complements well with the progress and momentum Free Korean Dogs has built in the last two years. William was inspired by Free Korean Dogs and its mission to bring public awareness to animal welfare. He also adopted two Korean rescues, Woojoo and Luna.
Amélie Arteta, Board of Directors
Amelie has been an animal love her whole life. She grew up in France and moved to England to purse her degree in Business Management. In 2013, Amelie moved to Toronto where she volunteered for various local shelters and non-profit organization. She met EK thought volunteering at Toronto Street Cats, building shelters for feral cats; and since then, Amelie has been a strong supporter for Free Korean Dogs.
Sara Liao, Adoption Manager
Sara has always been active member the non-profit community, both professionally and in volunteer roles. She is also a lifelong animal lover and known to always stop to pet stray dogs and cats during her travels. Her two passions match well in her role in helping dogs find their forever homes. Along with dogs, Sara is a lover of pigs, cows, and goats, and believes in the words of her favorite activists, “be kind to all kinds”.
Tatiana Thompson, Content Editor
Tali has been an animal lover since childhood. From saving and feeding street cats in Israel to rescuing dogs and cats in Toronto, her entire life has been about compassion and love towards all living beings. Now, she spends her days taking care of her 5 lovely fur children at home and helping out with the Free Korean Dogs mission.
Robert Hsu, Charity Foundation Officer
Robert has always had a love for dogs. He has worked in the financial services industry for over 19 years. Robert and his wife adopted Kea from Free Korean Dogs in the Fall of 2017 and has been an active member ever since. He has a passion in helping dogs find their forever homes and fundraising.
Alan S. Dombey, Process & Logistics Adviser (Toronto)
Steve has always loved dogs. Having personally rescued four dogs (so far), he is delighted to help the Free Korean Dogs family by completing the required documentation at customs and the cargo offices. Meeting the adopters and handing over their precious new rescues is reward enough!
David Wong, Process & Logistics Adviser (Vancouver)
Since retiring in 2012, David devoted his time to caring for his aging Shiba Inu, and volunteering at various film and music festivals around Vancouver. After the passing of his Shiba, David connected with Free Korean Dogs and started volunteering for them in 2018 where he adopted a FKD rescue, Jingu, in February 2019. “It’s so rewarding seeing the anticipation and joy on the adopters’ face when they meet their new dogs for the first time at the airport.”
Join Us
Here’s how you can get involved right now:
- Adopt a dog rescued from the Korean dog meat trade.
- Donate today to support our adoption, awareness and community building efforts.
- Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to track our progress.
- Contact us with any questions or to learn more.