Puppies are squeezed into tiny cages with no room to move in in Moran Market in Seongnam east of Seoul. The dogs are just waiting to be butchered to be consumed as delicacies for the local people. Moran Market is notorious for being the largest dog meat market in South Korea.

Over 170,000 people have already signed the petition at www.uniteddogs.com/stopkillingdogs. United Dogsand Cats is hosting the online petition campaign in 10 different languages to draw the world's attention to the cruel treatment of many dogs in South Korea despite Animal Protection Laws that have been in place since early 1990s.

More dog meat than usual is eaten during the "Bok Days" in mid-summer when temperatures are at their all time high. August 13, 2009 is Malbok Day - the last of the three "dog days" which are determined each year by the lunar calendar.

"This is probably the cruelest thing that could happen to companion animals - many are tortured and end up on dinner tables. And the strangest thing is that it is happening right under our noses in one of the most rapidly developing countries in the 21st century," said United Dogs and Cats head Ragnar Sass.

South Korea has the world’s 15th largest economy and all the appearances of a modern developed country. Korean success stories and accomplishments in all fields of life are admirable.

It is therefore strange that the government is unwilling to put an end to the brutal and disturbing dog meat industry. With international protests and petitions the world can pressure South Korea into fully recognizing and respecting the special status of dogs as companions, family members, and helpers.

So far the local government has banned dog meat temporarily during the 1988 Seoul Olympics and 2002 FIFA Cup in fear of bad international reputation.

You can watch the eye-opening video “A Dog's Life” and learn more about the issue at www.uniteddogs.com/stopkillingdogs. Keep up to date with the campaign and find more ways to support this cause in Summer 2009 at the petition page.

The signatures will be presented to South Korean officials in Seoul by Korea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA) as soon as 1 million or more signatures have been gathered.