The slaughterhouse compound, with a shed enclosed with blue plastic, is right near the village. Some 30 dogs were languishing here.

In February, 2009, KARA sent a letter of protest to Namyandju City Hall, which governs the Maseok area. The protest was against a backyard dog slaughtering operation, which can be seen within site of the Maseok dog shelter. This letter was the first part of the campaign and it will be followed by statements by residents, all of whom do not want the slaughterhouse in their area.

A government officer did investigate the site and the dog slaughterer promised to cease killing dogs. But KARA puts no faith in any of this because this is not first time that the officer has investigated the place. Residents have also urged the local government on at least three separate occasions to solve this problem.

Here is the letter of protest (in translation and with added pictures):

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We are writing to inform you that the illegal slaughterhouse operating on the residential street in Unsu-ri, Sudong-myen, Namyangju-si, Kyeonggi-do, is causing public outrage.  A disgusting burning odor emanating from the illegal slaughterhouse is negatively impacting on the lives of nearby residents and is harming their emotional well-being.

We therefore request that you take administrative action against this illegal slaughtering operation that will include a heavy penalty against the slaugherer/s and the complete removal of the operation.

We also hope that you will immediately investigate and the shutting down of any other similar establishments within your jurisdiction, and as well find a solution through close cooperation with the police that will prevent this kind of thing from happening again.

Complaints from disgusted residents in the neighborhood in Unsuri have been already submitted on several occasions about this issue. To prevent more complaints and anger from this unlawful slaughter operation, we request you to make every effort to solve the problem as quickly as possible. Please let us know the result by sending a reply in writing.

This shows how close residential houses are. One can imagine how distressing it is for residents to have this horrible slaughterhouse right next door.

Reasons for Our Request

1. Disgusting Burning Odor As A Result of Illegal Slaughtering

As you see in the pictures provided, a makeshift shed with walls made of blue plastic is used where dogs are tied up and slaughtered. During the process of burning the fur and flesh of the dogs, a repulsive smell occurs that makes neighbors sick. They cannot even bear to open their windows.

2. The Matter of Illegal Practices and Cruelty to Animals

According to residents, dogs are trucked from the Moran outdoor market to be illegally killed at slaughter house. These dogs are shoved cruelly into tiny cages on the truck, and the misery of this scene is so horrifying that observers have been shocked. Pitiful dogs that are awaiting slaughter are exposed to their fellow dogs’ death as they are caged in close proximity.

Dogs await slaughter where they can hear and see some of what goes on inside the slaughterhouse shed. Some dogs are actually kept inside the shed.

3. Keeping a Nice Village Environment and Residents’ Wishes

Nearby Sudong-myeon, Unsu-ri, is a famous tourist site. It is in the interest of all residents to keep their area beautiful and pleasant for visitors. They also want live in a nice environment and be comfortable in their homes. Residents are of the opinion that the slaughterhouse seriously detracts from the look of village and their lifestyle, so they want it removed.

4. KARA’s opinion

We do not understand how this clearly visible slaughter house has been allowed to operate in a residential area, and we cannot help wondering why angry requests from residents have been ignored. We repeat that the matter must be resolved immediately. The residents here should never again have to endure such inconvenience because of one individual acting illegally. KARA will persist in its actions until the matter is resolved.

A place of horror for dogs that have lead a caged life of nothing by fear, deprivation and wretchedness all their lives. Gas cylinders for blow torches that are used on the dogs can been seen to the left.

According to the testimony of a witness, in the summer, the dog killer works all through the night killing dogs--the situation is a nightmare.

Here's a larger version of what it might looked like inside the shed, where dogs can see and smell death around them, where slaughtering and processing of other dogs is done before their eyes:

Update March 20, 2009

Since the above article, a KARA member has visit the site above to verify that it has been shut down. The member found that indeed the slaughter shed has been removed.

But a person living nearby has informed KARA of a rumor that the dogslaughter is planning to launch dog meat restaurant in the place of his dog killing business.

If this occurs, KARA will questioning the local government on the lawfulness of conducting a business such as a dog meat restaurant at a private residence.