The spotlight may have first found him on reality television, but this week, Pete Wicks is being praised for something far more profound than fame. The British TV star traveled to South Korea to support an animal welfare mission that resulted in the rescue of 170 dogs from a slaughter farm. Working alongside international rescue organizations and local activists, Wicks helped transport animals that campaigners say were destined for the country’s controversial dog meat trade.
While public attention often focuses on the dramatic moment cages are opened and animals are carried to safety, those involved say the reality inside such facilities is deeply distressing. Rescue teams frequently encounter overcrowded enclosures, poor sanitation, untreated injuries, and animals suffering from extreme fear and malnutrition. According to those on the ground, this mission was no exception.
Volunteers described the atmosphere as emotionally overwhelming. The dogs — many of them breeds commonly kept as pets in other parts of the world — were reportedly confined in small wire cages, exposed to harsh weather conditions, and deprived of proper veterinary care. For some rescuers, the experience was described as something they would “never unsee.”
Wicks, who has long been vocal about his love for animals and previously supported dog rescue campaigns in the UK, has not been shy about the emotional toll. In footage shared from the operation, he appears visibly shaken while helping carry frightened dogs to transport vehicles. Supporters say the trip left a lasting impact on him.
Animal welfare groups have been working for years to phase out dog meat farming in South Korea, where the practice has been declining but still exists in some areas. Several farms have shut down following government pressure and international advocacy efforts. Rescued dogs are often transported abroad for rehabilitation and adoption. Campaigners emphasize that rescue missions are only one part of a broader strategy that includes policy reform, education, and support for farmers transitioning out of the trade.
For many watching from afar, the image of a television personality stepping into such a harsh environment has struck a chord. Supporters argue that celebrity involvement can bring visibility to issues that might otherwise remain out of public view. But beyond the headlines and viral clips, 170 dogs are now alive because someone showed up. And sometimes, that is where real impact begins. 🐾