Simon Cowell has donated £25,000 to help fight dog meat farming in South Korea.
The 58-year-old made the donation to the Humane Society International, who aim to rescue over 200 dogs from being brutally murdered.
In a statement, HSI UK executive director Claire Bass said: “Simon’s generous donation means the world to us, and provides a huge boost to our appeal to close this horrendous dog meat farm.”
“More than 200 dogs are languishing in the most appalling conditions, but we have a real chance to save them.”
“With every dog farm we close and every farmer we help switch to a more profitable, humane business, we’re showing the South Korean government that it’s possible to end this cruel trade.
“These poor dogs have had the worst lives so far, so we’re desperate to get them out of those dreadful cages and show them love, soft beds and loving arms for the first time in their lives,” she added.
The news comes after the X Factor judges praised the charity for their incredible work, as they have already shut down 12 dog meat farms and saved nearly 1,400 dogs.
In December last year, Simon held back tears during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, as he showed shocking footage of dogs trapped in cages at a dog meat farm in the city of Namyangju.
The farm is just one of an estimated 17,000 dog farms in South Korea, which breed over 2.5 million dogs a year to be slaughtered and eaten at annual dog meat festivals.
During his interview, an emotional Simon said: “It’s like eating your friend. And it’s the fact you’re eating such a kind, helpless, sweet animal.”
“It is strength, in my opinion, to say we are not going to do it. If everyone could come together now, through social media, through a different generation who just say no, enough people will listen. That’s what happens in the world today.”
Simon is a huge animal lover, and has three dogs of his own – Yorkshire terriers named Freddie, Squiddly and Diddly.
