Tongyeong City Collaborates with Animal Rights Groups to Rescue 85 Suspected Abused Pets

Tongyeong City, Gyeongnam, successfully rescued 85 companion dogs suspected of abuse in cooperation with the animal rights organization Care. [Image source=Tongyeong City]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] Tongyeong City, Gyeongnam Province, announced on the 14th that it rescued 85 companion dogs suspected of animal abuse at two private animal shelters within the city over the two days of the 12th and 13th, and is currently providing protective measures at the Tongyeong City Animal Protection Center.

The rescue operation was initiated by a report from an activist running a companion dog shelter, and was carried out through cooperation between Tongyeong City and members of the animal rights organization Care, persuading the private animal shelter operators to sign ownership relinquishment agreements for the companion dogs in their care.

On the first day of the emergency rescue, 15 city officials visited the site and completed the rescue of 51 dogs around 9:30 PM, and on the second day, 14 officials visited and rescued the remaining 34 dogs.

To prevent any unforeseen accidents during the rescue, the operation was safely conducted under the supervision of police officers with the cooperation of the Tongyeong Police Station.

Neighbors from nearby shops and apartment residents who witnessed the rescue expressed their gratitude to the officials, saying, "It feels like a decade-old burden has been lifted," appreciating the resolution of a long-standing civil complaint.

The rescued dogs will undergo heartworm tests, neutering surgeries, and various health check-ups at the Tongyeong City Animal Protection Center, and after stabilizing, will be put up for adoption to find new families through public announcements.

A representative from the Tongyeong City Animal Welfare Team said, "We hope the dogs rescued this time will be safely protected at the Animal Protection Center and meet good adopters," adding, "We will continue to do our best to promote animal welfare."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.