By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

A group of 20 rescue dogs from South Korea arrived at Montreal–Trudeau International Airport in Dorval last week.

The arrival was the result of a mission led by Pilots to the Rescue in partnership with Humane World for Animals (HWA), formerly known as The Humane Society.

After landing, the dogs were transported to an HWA facility in Montreal, where they are now beginning the process of finding adoptive homes after being removed from a dog meat farm.

This mission follows a recent operation by Humane World for Animals, which intervened at a South Korean dog meat operation earlier this spring and removed more than 60 dogs from conditions of cruelty.

The animals spent several weeks at HWA’s rehabilitation centre in Maryland, receiving medical care and support before a portion were selected for transfer to Montreal, where local shelters and rescue partners will help prepare them for adoption.

Nicole Keller, spokesperson for Pilots to the Rescue, explained that the organization focuses on transporting at-risk animals from under-resourced shelters, particularly in the southern United States, to no-kill facilities and adoption centres. “Our goal is to give them a second chance at life,” Keller told The Suburban. “Many of these dogs have incredible backstories and have overcome major adversity. We are grateful to help give them the opportunity for a happy life.”

According to research experts on animal rights issues, hundreds of thousands of dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year, often because overcrowding and a shortage of adoptive homes leave shelters with few options. The problem is especially severe in the southern states, which report the highest kill rates nationwide. Contributing factors include limited access to spay and neuter services, cultural attitudes toward pet ownership, and a steady influx of stray and surrendered animals. In certain states, the proportion of euthanized animals can be several times higher than elsewhere in the country. These realities highlight the ongoing need for rescue and relocation efforts, both to relieve pressure on crowded shelters and to give individual dogs a genuine chance at a better future.

The arrival of these 20 dogs at Dorval stands as a testament to the impact of collaborative rescue work, and as a reminder of the persistent challenges surrounding animal overpopulation. Representatives from Pilots To The Rescue and HWA were present for the arrival and remain available for comment as the dogs settle in and begin the next stage of their journey. n