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Throughout Man's history there can't be one species that he has not eaten at one time or another, including Man himself. Most of us now however believe that there are some species that, due to their long term relationship with Man as both loyal servants and companions, should not be regarded as food animals. We consider it one of the definitions of civilization that those species that we do define as food animals are treated as humanely as possible, safeguarded from unnecessary pain and distress. While we accept that in times of famine these reservations may be temporarily waived, we cannot accept that any country can expect to be recognized as equals by the international community while flouting these basic tenets and scorning world opinion. One such country is the Republic of South Korea. Incredibly, not only are dogs and cats butchered for their flesh, but tortured beforehand in the belief that this improves the flavour and the "medicinal" qualities of the meat.
Dogs can commonly be seen in Korean markets being killed (hopefully) by hammer blows to the head before being skinned. Live skinning is often preferred since this helps to preserve the pelt which can then be sold. Sometimes the dog is electrocuted instead, with electrodes fixed to the tongue or inserted in the anus. Yet another favourite method is slow strangulation by hanging. The flesh is then singed by a blowtorch to improve its appearance. On some occasions, the animal remains alive throughout, eventually dying from shock. This is all performed in full view of other dogs crammed in cages awaiting the same fate. Difficult to believe? It gets worse.
Cats are treated no better, tied in sacks and beaten to death with sticks, although a favourite method is to boil them ALIVE with selected herbs. The resultant "cat juice" or "goyangi soju" is superstitiously believed to be a cure for arthritis, amongst other assorted ailments. Of course these ignorant beliefs are nonsense. |
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Introduction |