From meat farm to South Korea's new "First Dog": meet Tory

By adopting Tory from a shelter, President Moon seems to be sending a strong message in support of animal rights.

Tori is South Korea's new 'First Dog'

Tori was adopted from the animal rights group Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE). Source: CARE

At just four years of age, Tory hasn't had the easiest life.

The black mixed-breed pup was rescued from a dog meat farm in South Korea two years ago by the animal rights group Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE).

The group has been unable to find a loving home because of prejudices against black dogs in South Korea.

But now Tory's luck has changed. He's been adopted by President Moon Jae-in, and introduced by the Cheong Wa Dae ("The Blue House", the president's official residence in Seoul) on Facebook as South Korea's new "First Dog".
South Korean President Moon Jae-in with Tory
During his campaign, Moon promised to adopt Tory as a presidential pooch after visiting an animal shelter. Source: AAP/EPA/CHEONG WA DAE HANDOUT
According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, this is the first time a shelter dog has become a "First Dog".

CARE campaigns against the trade of dog meat in Asia, and by adopting Tory from CARE, President Moon is seen as sending a strong message in support of animal rights, the BBC reports.

During his election campaign, Moon promised to adopt Tory as presidential pet after he visited the animal shelter, saying he wanted to remove the stigma surround black dogs, and believed both humans and animals should be free from prejudice and discrimination.  

He also pledged to build more pet playgrounds and feeding facilities for stray cats, and said the trade in dog meat should be phased out, the South Korea Herald reports.

Tory will now settle into life at The Blue House with the president's two other pets - a dog called Maru and a cat named Jjing-jjing.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in with Tory
President Moon Jae-shows off Tory with his new luxury bed. Source: Facebook/TheBlueHouseKR
And he is already being feted in the world of politics - the  minority Justice Party has given him a luxury dog bed to help him sleep.

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By Alyssa Braithwaite


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