From Death Row to Hope: Pete Wicks’ Heroic Rescue of 170 Dogs from South Korean Meat Farm Horror

By Grok News Desk December 25, 2025

In a heart-wrenching mission that exposed the brutal reality of South Korea’s dog meat trade, reality TV star Pete Wicks joined forces with Humane Society International (HSI) in late 2017 to rescue over 170 dogs from a squalid meat farm in Namyangju. What he witnessed there left an indelible mark, transforming the TOWIE personality into a passionate advocate for animal welfare.

The farm, one of an estimated 17,000 in South Korea at the time, bred dogs—including golden retrievers, beagles, Korean jindos, mastiffs, spaniels, and greyhounds—solely for slaughter. These animals faced a grim fate: electrocution followed by being boiled into bosintang, a traditional spicy soup consumed by a declining minority.

katu.com

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Dogs confined in rusty wire cages on a typical South Korean dog meat farm, awaiting rescue amid freezing conditions and neglect.

Wicks, already a devoted dog owner with his rescue French bulldog Eric, was moved to action after viewing HSI’s previous rescue videos. “Nothing could have prepared me for how dreadful a dog meat farm really is,” he later said in a statement that captured the shock of many. The bitter cold, filthy cages, and traumatized animals painted a scene of unimaginable suffering.

During the operation—HSI’s 10th farm closure—the team worked tirelessly. Wicks mucked in alongside rescuers, filling cages with warm straw, comforting frightened dogs, and loading crates for transport. “Some of the dogs I met were terrified, and you can’t blame them because they’ve seen the cruel side of humanity,” Wicks reflected. “But I couldn’t believe how friendly most of them were despite everything they’ve been through. The way they wagged their tails just broke my heart.”

thesun.co.uk

Towie’s Pete Wicks rescues 170 dogs from Korean meat farm and is …

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Pete Wicks cradles a rescued puppy on the farm (left) and poses with one of the traumatized but resilient dogs during the emotional mission (right).

The rescue wasn’t just about removal; it involved negotiating with the farmer, Mr. Kim, who had operated the farm for 20 years. Like others HSI has partnered with, he sought a way out due to societal pressure and personal regret. HSI helped him transition to construction and vegetable farming—a humane alternative that has become a model for change.

Of the 170+ dogs saved, 13 were flown to the UK in early 2018, arriving for health checks and rehoming through partners like All Dogs Matter. The rest went to shelters in the US and Canada. Wicks personally championed their cause, reuniting with some later and using his platform to raise awareness.

washingtonpost.com

As South Koreans move away from dog meat, animal rescue teams are …

A rescuer carries a dog from its cage during an HSI operation, highlighting the squalid conditions these animals endured.

This mission came amid growing opposition in South Korea. Most citizens, especially the young, reject dog meat consumption, viewing dogs as companions rather than food. Ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics, the contrast between the nation’s modern image and hidden farms sparked calls for reform.

Wicks’ involvement amplified the story. “I’m proud to support HSI’s campaign… it’s not just about saving the dogs, they’re offering practical solutions,” he said. His efforts earned praise, including a heartfelt message from Simon Cowell.

dailymail.co.uk

Pete Wicks saves 170 dogs from annual meat festival | Daily Mail …

Pete Wicks gently comforts a dog destined for the UK, moments before its liberation from the farm.

Years later, Wicks continues his advocacy, starring in the UKTV series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake and supporting rescues worldwide. The 2017 mission remains a pinnacle: from death row despair to wagging tails in loving homes.

“Despite going through hell, they still wanted to be our friends. That was so humbling,” Wicks recalled. In a trade that’s waning—South Korea banned dog meat breeding and slaughter in 2024—this rescue symbolizes hope, proving one person’s compassion can spark redemption for many.

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dailymail.co.uk

Heartbroken and helpless’ Pete Wicks breaks down in tears as dog …

Pete Wicks shares an emotional moment with a rescued dog, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of these survivors.