Animal suffering in Gyeongbuk wildfires is severe...systemic improvements urgently needed

The devastating wildfires in Gyeongbuk Province in March 2025 have left a deep scar not only on humans but also on countless animals. Chained dogs, severely burned cats, and neglected farm animals have been rescued from the fire, but many animals are still waiting for help.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is operating an on-site situation room to assist animals in need of urgent medical care, and the Korea Veterinary Pharmaceutical Association and the Pet Food Association are providing relief supplies to help the affected areas recover. However, the ban on pets in evacuation centers has been a recurring problem, causing pet owners to abandon evacuations and disruptions.

The problem of illegal puppy mills has been particularly pronounced in the wildfires. Only a fraction of the more than 100 dogs left behind were able to be rescued due to ownership issues, highlighting institutional weaknesses and lack of oversight.

The wildfires have reminded us how important it is to have a response system that includes pets in disaster situations. Governments and local governments should develop disaster response manuals that include pets, as well as improve shelters and expand sheltering facilities.

Gyeongsangbuk-do wildfires, severe damage to animals... Interagency cooperation for rescue efforts

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In March 2025, a large wildfire broke out in Gyeongbuk province, affecting a large number of animals. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs operates an on-site situation room at the Gyeongbuk Joint Support Center and is working with animal protection organizations and veterinary societies to help rescue animals in need of urgent medical care. In this process, animal protection organizations have been assisted with access and sheltering conditions to rescue animals from wildfire-affected farms. In addition, local governments have provided relief kennels and other support for rescue efforts.

In particular, organizations such as Animal Rights Action Kara have rescued cats and dogs with severe burns and stray dogs tied to chains from the fire. More than 100 dogs were found abandoned at an illegal dog farm, but only some of the animals were rescued due to ownership issues. So far, the rescued animals are receiving medical treatment, but many remain unrescued.

The Korea Veterinary Pharmaceutical Association and the Pet Food Association have been providing disinfectants, dewormers, diagnostic kits, and pet food to help animals in the affected areas. However, many shelters do not allow pets, leading to pet owners abandoning evacuations or creating chaos. This highlights the limitations of the disaster response system and emphasizes the need to create an institutional framework for evacuation with pets.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What are some examples of animal casualties in wildfires?

A: Dogs trapped in the flames while on a leash, cats with severe burns, and neglected farm animals are common examples. Some animals were unable to be rescued due to ownership issues.

Q: How are the rescued animals being treated?

A: Rescued animals are being treated by local organizations, with burns being treated and tested for infectious diseases. Mobile animal hospitals are operating in some areas.

Q: Why can't I take my pet to a shelter?

A: Currently, many shelters do not allow pets, which has led to pet owners abandoning their pets or causing confusion. This is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed.

Q: How is the issue of illegal puppy mills being addressed?

A: Some illegal dog farms have been ordered to shut down, but often not all animals can be rescued due to ownership issues. Active intervention by the government and local governments is needed.

Q: What kind of systems are needed in the future?

A: We need a disaster response manual that includes pets, more shelters that can accommodate pets, and more protection facilities.

#gyeongbongsanfire #petrescue #disasterresponse #petevacuation #socialresponsibility

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