Korean dog farms are a two billion dollar industry, according to the SPCA. The dogs are raised solely to be slaughtered for their meat.
Humane Society International is leading the crusade to shut down the farms. Virginia volunteer, Abbie Hubbard, is an important part of that mission.
"In South Korea dogs are eaten as part of the culture. There are a variety of ways they are killed. It's sad to say that there's a belief if they die in a state of fear it enhances the power of the meat," said Hubbard.
Hubbard said she saw first hand the horrors of South Korean dog farms.
"It's an awful place to go loud. It's chaotic and it smells. There is an awful stench of ammonia and you feel the sadness and terror these dogs are living in," said Hubbard.
Humane Society International reports two million dogs are slaughtered each year in South Korea. If Hubbard didn't rescue Roo when she did he would of been killed for his meat two months later.
"There are some beliefs that the dogs help protect the person who eats them from the heat in the summer and that it increases virility," said Hubbard. "One the hottest days of the summer dog meat soup is a popular dish."
Hubbard said she was inspired to act.
"I walked up to Roo's cage and he look at me and I saw his soul. I felt a connection," said Hubbard.
A Virginia volunteer rescues this dog from South Korean meat farm. Now he's up for adoption. His story 5:45 .@wusa9 pic.twitter.com/4z5ViW0tNR
— Stephanie Gailhard (@stephitv) December 5, 2016
That connection, continues at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. It's an emergency placement center for Humane Society International.
"Things like going on walks and seeing different people are all new for him so he's had to adjust to that," said Hubbard.
He's come a long way in seven months. Today, he's a big goofball at heart.
"To think of this dog seen as meat to what I saw in my heart - a companion. He's figured out life in the US, but the most important piece is what's ahead of him and he's ready for it," said Hubbard.
Roo is available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
The farm Roo was rescued from is in the process of being shut down.
