A shelter for rescued dogs in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, is taking extraordinary measures to shield its residents from the sweltering sun. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
NAMYANGJU, August 1 (Korea Bizwire) — As South Korea grapples with a prolonged summer heatwave, a shelter for rescued dogs in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, is taking extraordinary measures to shield its residents from the sweltering sun.
Operated by the animal welfare group Korea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA), the “On Center” is home to 213 dogs, many of which were saved from disaster zones or abusive conditions. Among the newest arrivals are 16 dogs rescued from a major wildfire in the Yeongnam region this March—some still bearing the burn scars of their ordeal.
While the shelter provides slightly more space than the recommended kennel size, staff say the dogs’ high energy levels require far more room and regular exercise. However, with only around 20 staff members, daily walks are limited, and the center has had to find creative ways to ensure the dogs’ well-being amid rising temperatures.
This year, for the first time, the shelter installed parasols and shade canopies over outdoor terraces and dirt-floored play yards to prevent heat exhaustion and paw burns. Dogs are now kept outside for no more than 10 minutes at a time, and midday walks have been curtailed or shortened.
On July 8, the center opened a dog-friendly pool to provide a cooling reprieve. (Image courtesy of the On Center)
Unused indoor spaces, such as the shelter’s auditorium, have been converted into play areas, and on July 8, the center opened a dog-friendly pool to provide a cooling reprieve.
While the animals are not yet showing signs of behavioral distress due to limited space, staff remain vigilant. “We’re continuously working on ways to improve the environment to better cope with the heat,” a center spokesperson said.
The initiative highlights the growing challenges faced by animal welfare organizations in the face of extreme weather events, and the compassion driving their response.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
