About DoVE Project

DoVE Project (Dogs of Violence Exposed) is a non-profit organization focused on ending the dog meat trade in South Korea, where raising dogs for human consumption is legally sanctioned. We believe that this change ultimately must come from within. To that end, rescue efforts, education, and advocacy are the driving components of DoVE Project. 

​Our co-founder, Tami Cho Zussman, is Korean-American, which facilitates our involvement with animal welfare groups, activists and government officials, as well as dog meat farmers in South Korea.

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With our personal understanding of the issue and professional experience, these principles guide our work:

  • Full cultural sensitivity and knowledge of the issue is the foundation for a dialogue.

  • Bearing witness is essential to bring about change.

  • Changing the hearts and minds of people in South Korea (or anywhere) must come from within.

  • Positive change must come with sustainable solutions for those involved.

“We welcome the support of individuals and organizations of like mind and heart in our pursuit to end this industry. Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about the complexities of the dog meat industry and get involved. You can impact change!” 

Tami and Claudia

Co-founders

DoVE Project is a 501(c)3 organization founded in August 2016.

Our Current Actions

 

Advocacy

 

In South Korea, DoVE Project works with government officials, animal advocacy groups, individual farmers and business entities to effect change. In the US, DoVE Project collaborates with national and local advocacy groups as well as South Korea's Consulate General in Los Angeles and New York City.

 

Education

 

The dog meat trade in South Korea is a complex issue involving animal welfare, cultural traditions and the livelihood of individuals and families. We meet with and learn from both opponents and advocates of the industry, as well as ordinary citizens from all walks of life. Our objectives are to bring attention to, understanding and action to the issue worldwide.

 

Rescue

 

DoVE Project works with established animal rescuers on the ground in South Korea, as well as rescue organizations in the U.S. We rescue dogs from dog meat farms, slaughterhouses, restaurants, meat markets, puppy mills, and high-kill shelters. Once rescued, we provide shelter, food, veterinary needs and work to find forever homes for our survivors in the U.S.

  • Claudia Wilsey Bright

    Co-Founder, President, Board Member

    Claudia is driven to help others realize their dreams. Her childhood instilled in her a blueprint for a lifetime of advocacy for the underserved and undervalued, and to this day she remains a committed guardian of children's rights, animals in peril, and our planet. Claudia's upbringing in rural upstate New York as well as extensive world travels has shaped and informed her passion for compassion. She believes in the importance of bearing witness to foster greater understanding and effect change.

    ​​As co-founder of DoVE Project - Dogs of Violence Exposed - Claudia brings her media background, social change training and calm presence to the work. She recently co-executive produced with her husband Kevin a provocative documentary, "Best and Most Beautiful Things", which premiered at SXSW Film Festival in 2016 and was broadcast earlier this year on the PBS series, Independent lens. Claudia currently serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children for the Los Angeles County Superior Court. She is a Founding Board Member of Global Watch Foundation which oversees an orphanage in Southern India.

    ​​Claudia and her husband, Kevin S. Bright, have twin sons, Zachary and Justin, and two thriving dogs, Hope and Oscar, recently rescued via DoVE Project in South Korea. In Claudia's personal vision of life, which has been enriched by her spiritual practice, we should all have the opportunity, with a little help from our friends, to live our best life.

  • Tami Cho Zussman

    Co-Founder, Treasurer, Board Member

    Tami Cho Zussman is a Korean American humanitarian and animal activist in Los Angeles, California. There is a special tender spot in her heart for children and animals. She is an active Court Appointed Special Advocate (“CASA”) for the County of Los Angeles since early 2012. With Tami's steady guidance, two pregnant foster teens on the verge of dropping out successfully completed all required graduation credits and received their high school diplomas. Currently, she is actively advocating for an 11 year old foster boy.

    ​As co-founder of DoVE Project, Tami's cultural awareness, native Korean language skills and persistent energy guide the work. Tami is a former board member for an orphanage in India, Global Watch Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity organization, based in Tennessee. She also serves as a board member for a non-profit music school, Sol-La Music Academy, in Santa Monica.

    Tami's personal conviction is that all children and animals are defenseless and they must be protected from exploitation and cruelty. She is bi-lingual Korean/English. a skilled para-legal and former professional interpreter and translator.

    ​She is married to Marc Zussman and has four children and a step son. Her "four-legged children" are Stella, Henry, Felix, Toby and Bear. Felix, Toby and Bear are extra special to her as they were rescued from a dog meat farm in South Korea and traveled 7000 miles over the Pacific Ocean to come home.

  • Terri Toennies

    Board Member

    Terri Toennies is Executive Vice President and General Manager of ANSA Productions, owner and operator of the world-renowned, 11-year-old public event, the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®) and AutoMobility LA™ (a combination of LA Auto Show’s Press & Trade Days and its award-winning Connected Car Expo®).

    ​Terri currently serves on the Board of Directors of Los Angeles’ South Park Business Improvement District where she chairs the District Identity & Marketing Committee. She is an active member of International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Society of Independent Show Operators (SISO).

    ​Terri is a valuable member of the DoVE team who adopted her very own DoVE dog, Charlie, a Jindo/Retriever mix! DoVE and Charlie are so lucky to have Terri on our team.