Abandoned Dog Controversy Discovered in a Remote Field in Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do

The situation of dogs being trapped and abandoned in cages set up in the middle of a remote field in Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do, is raising concerns about animal protection.

According to a whistleblower named 'Vanessa', multiple dogs have been entering and disappearing from two cages installed at this location since May.

The whistleblower recorded the reality of at least two or more dogs being trapped in the cages through numerous photos and videos taken between May and August.

This location is situated quite far from residential areas, making regular management difficult.

Upon inspecting the site, it was found that while feed was being provided, it was moldy, and when the whistleblower offered water, the dogs were seen eagerly lapping it up. Additionally, multiple dogs were trapped together in one cage, preventing them from securing sufficient living space.

The fluctuation in the number of animals and environmental issues is serious.

What is even more concerning is that the number of dogs in the cages has been continuously fluctuating from May to the present.

In July, puppies were observed, but they have all since disappeared.

The whistleblower explained, "They were probably all sold or died," adding that "only two remain now."

The structure of the cages also presents issues. The floor is made of wire mesh designed to allow the dogs' waste to fall below, which directly flows into a stream beneath the cage, causing water contamination problems.

The whistleblower reported this situation to the police, but the police deemed it 'negligence' rather than 'abuse,' recommending that it be reported to the local government's animal welfare management department. In response, the whistleblower filed a complaint with the National Petition Office in May.

Discrepancies Between Local Government Investigation and Whistleblower's Claims

The local government responded to the complaint, stating, "Upon on-site verification, the metal cages had a roof and some shading, and drinking water and feeding were being provided normally; the health condition of the dogs was assessed as good."

However, they added, "We verbally advised that keeping animals in cages may not be suitable for animal welfare in the long run."

A representative from the local government explained, "We visited the site three times from May to August, but only confirmed a total of two dogs, one in each cage, and the environment did not seem to be one of abuse."

However, the photos and videos provided by the whistleblower show multiple dogs present.

These materials include a total of 29 photos and videos taken between May 4 and August 4, with EXIF data recording the shooting dates.

If the dog owner had not moved the dogs frequently, there is a discrepancy between the local government investigation results and the whistleblower's claims.

In response, a local government representative stated, "Since the same personnel did not check each time, we do not know if the two confirmed dogs were the same individuals."

The whistleblower sought assistance from domestic animal protection organizations but has not yet received a response.

As a foreigner, the whistleblower plans to leave Korea in three weeks and emphasized, "There is not much time left," expressing a desire to find someone or some organization to help rescue the remaining dogs.

Image source: instagram 'gangjindogs'