Illegal Slaughter of Horses and Stork Death Highlight Animal Welfare Failings in Korea
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
As Korea approaches 2026 — the “Year of the Horse” — recent incidents expose harsh realities for animals used as tools for profit or image. In late November, activists found the carcass remnants of a Hanrama (a hybrid horse breed created in Jeju for racing) illegally slaughtered at a popular Jeju riding stable while riding lessons continued nearby. Hanrama were bred by crossing native Jeju horses with Thoroughbreds in the 1990s; after cruelty and poor welfare issues and the 2023 halt of Hanrama races, many animals became unwanted and are now being culled, sometimes illegally to cut costs and hide meat origins. Separately, a ceremonial release of three endangered oriental storks (황새) in Gimhae ended in the death of one bird after it was confined in a small wooden cage during pre-event activities and later collapsed; necropsy suggested acute stress-induced metabolic muscle disease. Animal groups criticize authorities for treating animals as props for profit or image-building. These cases underscore systemic gaps in planning for retired or rescued animals and the need for stronger oversight and humane policies.
