The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, based in Westbrook, has taken in five dogs that were recently rescued from a grisly “dog meat” farm in Wonju, South Korea.

According to a press release issued early Wednesday by the Animal Refuge League, some 250 dogs were rescued from the farm by Humane Society International, and are now in shelters that are part of the Humane Society’s emergency placement partner program.

The five dogs arrived in Westbrook on Thursday, May 26, where they are receiving treatment, training and rehabilitation.

Patsy Murphy, the executive director of the shelter, said in the release, “We are honored to help in this historic project. As an emergency placement partner, the ARLGP will provide these dogs with the highest level of treatment and care until they are ready to find a new beginning.”

According to the Humane Society International website, the dogs were otherwise destined to be killed and eaten.

Katie Hansberry, the Maine state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said in the press release, “Thanks to Humane Society International’s rescue efforts, these dogs are now safe and far away from the cruel South Korean dog meat trade. We are grateful that with the help of the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, one of our Emergency Placement Partners, these dogs will soon find permanent homes with loving and caring families in Maine.”

Each dog is approximately 1 to 2 years old, and once they have reached rehabilitation milestones, they will be made available for adoption.

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