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With their bright eyes and wagging tales, these five dogs are blissfully unaware just how close they came to being killed for meat.

The innocent pooches were rescued by a crack animal rescue team just hours before they were due to be butchered, ready to be eaten.

Billy, Valencia, Barbara, Kurt and Paul - nicknamed the Slaughterhouse 5 - were set to be dished up as dog meat in South Korea.

However, they were freed thanks to complex negotiations by In Defense of Animals (IDA) - possibly after being subjected to torture.

Some South Koreans believe terrorized dogs taste better or will give better health benefits, leading to hounds being beaten, hanged and electrocuted.

The hounds took their first steps of freedom after being whisked to Atlanta, US, following a 7,000 mile journey from Asia.

(Image: Fleur Dawes)

They have been since taken to IDA's Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, Mississippi, which is now appealing for people to provide homes for the dogs.

President of the group, Dr Marilyn Kroplick, said: “We are thrilled to have rescued five dogs from the jaws of death; they are our very own Slaughterhouse 5.

“These fortunate survivors are ambassadors who represent millions of dogs brutally slaughtered and eaten each year.

(Image: Fleur Dawes)

"Culture and tradition are no excuse to force animals to suffer to satisfy our appetites.”

The dramatic rescue saw the dogs negotiated away from a dog meat slaughterhouse, just weeks before Korea’s dog meat feast days.

Tragically, it was too late for several dogs, who were slaughtered, butchered and eaten before rescuers could secure their release.

(Image: Fleur Dawes)

Despite the terrible treatment they had been subjected to, the dogs greeted rescuers with wagging tails before being driven to the sanctuary in Grenada, Mississippi.

The charity is now calling for experienced dog owners to provide loving, understanding, forever homes for the Slaughterhouse 5.

“We are so thrilled to be able to help these precious few dogs, and cannot wait to give them the loving homes they deserve” said operations manager, Sharon Stone.

(Image: Fleur Dawes)

“These dogs will need patient, experienced guardians who can help them overcome their traumatic past and enjoy full, rich lives.

"Please get in touch if you are able to offer a loving forever-home.”

Two and a half million dogs are said to be killed for food every year in South Korea.

(Image: Fleur Dawes)

Although relatively few South Koreans eat dog meat regularly, and younger South Koreans are moving away from eating dogs altogether, the industry is worth over $200 million.

China’s infamous Yulin dog meat festival has just concluded for another year, but South Korea’s own dog meat feast is only just beginning.

In South Korea, Boknal Days are held on the three hottest days of the year between July and August.

(Image: Fleur Dawes)

If not for the intervention of IDA and its partners in Korea, the Slaughterhouse 5 would certainly have been killed and served as dinner, during Boknal Days or before.

The Slaughterhouse 5 are Jindo dogs, known for their fierce loyalty and and brave nature, and recognised as South Korea’s national breed.

Jindos and similar yellow dogs are farmed for their meat in South Korea.

(Image: Fleur Dawes)

They endure horrifying treatment on the country’s many dog meat farms, akin to the mass suffering inflicted on animals in our own factory farms.

Dog meat dealers are also known to buy animals who have been dumped or stolen illegally from homes – often still wearing their collars.

Whether they are companions or bred specifically for their meat, trucks are stacked with hundreds of dogs crammed alive into wire cages to transport their grim cargo toward the slaughterhouse.

(Image: Fleur Dawes)

They are often transported without food or water, and many suffer broken bones or perish before reaching their final destination.

Those who survive can only wait their turn as they watch other dogs being tortured and killed for human consumption.

To learn more about IDA's mission in South Korea, visit their website.