Target: Officials of Hwacheon County, Korea
Goal: End the mass breeding, starvation, and slaughter of fish at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival.
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, renowned as one of Korea’s most popular winter events, has come under fire for its alleged cruelty toward freshwater fish. Activists from Animal Liberation Wave and Animals March have condemned the event, saying it inflicts immense suffering on animals under the guise of entertainment.
During the festival, an estimated 600,000 to 1 million fish are transported from various locations and starved for days to make them easier to catch. These fish are then subjected to suffocation and pain as participants engage in barehanded fishing and other activities that critics argue glorify their suffering. Despite appeals to end these practices, the Hwacheon County government and festival organizers have apparently dismissed concerns, stating the fish are cultivated for consumption and therefore not protected under Korea’s Animal Protection Act.
Such mistreatment diminishes the festival’s cultural significance and undermines the growing global movement toward ethical treatment of animals. Transforming the festival into an event that respects life and promotes humane practices would not only align it with modern ethical values but also enhance its appeal to a more conscientious audience.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Hwacheon County officials,
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is celebrated for its winter festivities, but its practices of mass breeding, starvation, and slaughter of fish have raised serious ethical concerns. Reports indicate that up to 1 million fish are starved for days and subjected to painful deaths during barehanded fishing events, all for the sake of entertainment.
This exploitation of freshwater animals not only causes immense suffering but also reflects poorly on the festival’s cultural and ethical standing. By continuing these practices, the event risks alienating a growing number of individuals who value the humane treatment of animals.
We urge you to transition the festival into a cruelty-free celebration that honors life and nature. Consider adopting alternative activities that do not involve the suffering of living beings. This change would enhance the festival’s reputation while demonstrating respect for the ethical treatment of animals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Pixabay
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