Simon Cowell is known for being one of the toughest talent show judges in the world, which is why it came as a surprise when he just showed his softer side by doing something amazing to help save dogs.

Cowell makes tons of money from shows like “Britain’s Got Talent,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “The X-Factor,” and now, he’s using that money to help animals who need it. Cowell just donated $30,000 to Humane Society International (HSI) to help them shut down dog meat farms in South Korea.

Cowell’s donation will be used to help rescue over 200 dogs and puppies which are bred for consumption at the meat farms. HSI has already managed to shut down twelve dog meat farms and save around 1,400 animals.

HSI tries to encourage dog meat farmers to leave this industry by helping them transition to other farming methods, like growing and selling vegetables.

“Simon’s generous donation means the world to us and provides a huge boost to our appeal to close this horrendous dog meat farm,” said Claire Bass, UK executive director of the Humane Society International. “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 to switch to a more profitable, humane business, we’re showing the South Korean government that it’s possible to end this cruel trade,” she continued. “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.”

Cowell opened up about being against the dog meat industry during an interview last year.

“It’s like eating your friend,” he said. “Ironically, some of those people who are eating dogs, if those dogs were their pet, that dog would be protecting that person’s life, that’s the irony. The joy, the love they bring into your life, what they do for you, you can’t put it into words.”

There are currently around 17,000 dog farms in South Korea, but the industry is on the decline popularity among young people.

God bless Simon Cowell for using his wealth to help save dogs!