South Korea's dog meat ban: The fate of half a million dogs

Time of India

25-06-2025

South Korea's sweeping new law banning the
dog meat industry
, passed unanimously in January 2024, is being hailed as a landmark for animal welfare and a profound cultural shift. By 2027,
breeding
, slaughtering, selling, and serving dogs for meat will be illegal nationwide, a move that signals the end of a centuries-old tradition and answers years of pressure from both domestic advocates and the international community.
Yet, this historic step forward carries a quieter, more troubling consequence: the fate of the hundreds of thousands of dogs currently held on farms across the country. As the industry shutters, these animals, once destined for the table, now face an uncertain future. Many risk being abandoned or euthanized, their lives left in limbo as farmers struggle to adapt and rescue groups scramble to respond.
The law's promise of a kinder era for animals is shadowed by the urgent question: what happens to the dogs who have nowhere to go?
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by Taboola
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The numbers behind the ban
According to the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as of February 2022, there were 521,121 dogs being raised in 1,156
dog meat farms
, and about 388,000 dogs consumed annually in 1,666 restaurants. Yet, societal attitudes have shifted: a 2023 Gallup poll found only 8% of South Koreans had eaten dog meat in the past year, down from 27% in 2015, and fewer than 20% supported its consumption. In a separate survey, 85.5% said they do not currently eat dog meat, and 55.8% believe society should stop the practice.
Uncertain futures for farmers and dogs
The ban's passage has left many in the industry facing deep uncertainty. Chan-woo, who entered the trade a decade ago, describes the atmosphere as 'incredibly uncertain,' with livelihoods upended and hopes pinned on the government extending the grace period to allow for gradual adjustment. Advocates worry about the fate of the estimated half a million dogs still on farms, many at risk of euthanasia if not rehomed.
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The government has pledged support for affected farmers, but details remain unclear. Some, like Mr. Joo, fear that as 2027 approaches, desperation may lead to tragic outcomes for both people and animals.
While the legislation is celebrated by animal rights activists, JungAh Chae of
Humane Society International Korea
called it 'history in the making', it has also sparked resistance among dog farmers, some of whom have threatened drastic protests.
The debate touches on deep cultural and ethical questions, with many younger Koreans viewing dogs as family, while others argue against state interference in dietary choices.