Dogs that were to be killed and processed for human consumption now have the opportunity to thrive as family pets.
Nearly two dozen dogs were rescued from a meat farm in Seoul over a week ago, and are now ready for adoption.
The 23 animals were flown from South Korea to Virginia by Humane Society International - the global division of the Humane Society of the United States.
After being checked for illness, the dogs spent a week resting at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
A group of six DMV-area shelters have stepped up to help place the animals: Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Loudoun County Animal Services, City of Manassas Animal Control and Adoption Shelter, the Washington Animal Rescue League and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Executive Director Tawny Hammond said the effort to save the dogs highlights what shelters like hers do year-round.
"We transfer animals locally on a regular basis to aid communities in the Washington DC, Maryland and [Virginia] region that simply do not have the resources or adopters," she said in a statement.
"This international effort mirrors what we are committed to locally and we can play a small part in aiding and shutting down a horrific practice."
The dogs were transferred to the six shelters on Friday, and the facilities hope to find them permanent homes. Information on adopting the animals is available through each shelters' website.
It remains legal to sell and consume dog meat in South Korea. CTV reported that the practice is declining in popularity among younger generations.
