Second Annual Toronto Boknal Protest

Guest article by Greg Mount

Right now thousands of dogs and cats in Korea are being prepared for transport to the slaughterhouse. July 12th, 2017, marks the first day of Boknal, the annual dog and cat meat festival in Korea. Of the three million dogs slaughtered each year in Korea, the majority are consumed during Boknal.

Last year we marked the start of Boknal with our first annual protest in Toronto against the Korean dog and cat meat trade. The event was an absolute success, with many people, dogs, and cats in attendance to show their support. This year we’re planning an even bigger event to give an even louder voice to the voiceless dogs and cats of Korea.

• When: Saturday, July 8th from 10 AM to 12 PM
• Where: Korean Consulate in Toronto

Now is the Time to End Boknal

Change is happening in South Korea. The dog and cat meat issue is largely divided along generational lines. While many in the old guard continue to view dogs and cats as tasty meal, younger Koreans are more inclined to view them as companions.

Moon Jae-in, South Korea’s newly elected president and noted animal advocate, recently adopted a rescue dog and cat (Tory and Jjing-Jjing).

Tory, by conventional standards, is an ugly dog covered in black hair. I will adopt him as ‘first dog’ in the belief that both humans and animals have the right to be free from prejudice and discrimination.

This simple act sends a strong message to a fast-moving country that is accustomed to constant change. With the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics, international attention and scrutiny will begin to focus on the Korean peninsula. Now is a fantastic time to bring awareness and attention to the Korean dog and cat meat trade.

Meet the Family

If last year was any indication, this year’s demonstration will provide an excellent opportunity to meet dogs and cats rescued from Korea, learn more about our efforts to end the Korean dog meat trade, and have fun with like-minded animal lovers.