Dog who was destined for dinner table saved from filthy South Korean meat farm

04 January 2024 , 17:20

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Claire with Henry at the Korean meat farm

Golden retriever Henry was destined to end up on the dinner table after being raised on a filthy South Korean meat farm.

He lived in a tiny cage with his mother and two sisters, surviving sub-zero winters and searing summers, fed nothing but putrid restaurant waste. That was until Henry, along with 170 other dogs, was rescued from the farm by Humane Society International.

Now seven, he spends his time visiting a care home to give comfort to residents. Owner Claire Bass, who was part of the rescue mission, said: “His joy and generosity of spirit is infectious. Our visits always deliver smiles and often spark memories from the residents about dogs they have loved. Sometimes, when a resident is sad or withdrawn, Henry spends extra time with his head in their lap. He is the gentlest soul and so full of love.”

Henry with family members

His new life in Brighton, East Sussex, is a world away from where he started. Claire, who is senior director of campaigns and public affairs for HSI, explained: “Like so many farmers seeing a decline in the popularity and profitability of dog meat, Henry’s farmer wanted a way out of farming dogs, and we helped him to repurpose his land to grow vegetables. Had HSI not made this connection and agreement, Henry’s destiny was to become a spicy dog meat soup.”

Henry at the care home

Henry’s trauma was not over the second Claire and her team closed down the farm. She recalled: “Having never known life outside of his tiny cage, Henry was scared of everything – even his own reflection. We wondered if his soul was permanently broken. But gradually, Henry built trust in us and the world.” Two years ago, Claire signed Henry up as a therapy dog. The pair visit Grosvenor Lodge Residential Home in Hove, East Sussex, every month. Claire said: “We are so proud of Henry. He is a daily inspiration and reminder to me that change is possible.”

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Last month, the ruling party of South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol introduced a bill to ban the breeding and sale of dogs for consumption. Claire said: “It truly would be the best start to 2024.”

Nada Farhoud