Sunday, January 8, 2017

Positive reply. Chapel Hill, sister city of Seoul Guro District, South Korea

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Dear Mayor Hemminger,
Dear City Council members:
According to the Korean Governor's Association database, Chapel Hill is a sister city to Seoul Guro District, South Korea, since 2006. 
Dog-meat consumption is currently being practiced in that city, regardless of the fact that it is illegal under South Korean Law – but the laws are not enforced.
The dog and cat meat trades involve extreme and widespread animal cruelty, and the animals suffer unimaginable pain and distress.
For your information:
And  the petition:
They cannot speak for themselves which is why I am writing on their behalf.
I believe that your city wishes to be made aware of this ongoing issue, and not want to be affiliated with a city where illegal and immoral torture is being carried out on any animal, and particularly not on those that are loyal, trusting and sentient creatures, which look up to us humans as being their guardians.
These illegal trades are still being allowed to continue by Korean authorities – even though there is a large growing opposition from pet owners across South Korea, and throughout the world.
So, I am asking you to please speak with your counterparts in Seoul Guro District, especially Mayor Sung Lee, to urge them to enforce their own laws, not ignore them, and to show compassion towards their companion animals, and respect to their own citizens, by bringing these brutal trades finally to an end!
With the Winter Olympics coming up in 2018, this is the time to make change; this is the time to stop the illegal, inhumane and unnecessary cruelty.
I know that South Korea has many beautiful, admirable and noble practices and customs worth preserving, but this is not one of them.
Thank you for your time and understanding.
Please let me know how you feel about this so often concealed subject, thank you.
Sincerely:

1 comment:

  1. Reply: ----
    Dear Anneke Andries,
    Thank you for bringing this important issue to our attention.
    Chapel Hill and the Seoul Guro district exchanged visits ten years ago but have not communicated since and, so, we were unaware of this situation.
    Chapel Hill strongly believes in the humane treatment of all living things and support the efforts of organizations like the Humane Society International and SaveKoreanDogs.org who are working on the ground in South Korea and other Asian countries to rescue and relocate animals, raise awareness about animal cruelty and health risks and to strengthen animal protection laws.
    We have contacted our Congressional representatives to encourage them to consider House Resolution 30 and to suggest that Representative Alcee Hastings (Fla) add South Korea to that resolution.
    In the near future, we encourage you to share this information with the new United States' Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, when they are appointed, and to ask for their assistance.
    Again, thank you for your advocacy.
    Sincerely,


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    Pam Hemminger
    Town of Chapel Hill Mayor
    405 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
    Chapel Hill, NC 27514
    919 968-2714 ---------

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