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South Korea Accelerates Implementation Of The Dog Meat Ban But Faces A Stalemate Over The Fate Of Half A Million Dogs Raised On Farms For Consumption, Pressuring Government, Breeders And Shelters.
South Korea is counting down to a historic change: by February 2027, the breeding, slaughter, sale, and consumption of dog meat will be completely banned throughout the country.
The new law, which imposes penalties of up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won for those who violate the regulations, marks the end of a centuries-old practice — and opens up an urgent dilemma: what to do with the approximately 500 thousand dogs still raised on farms for this purpose?
While activists celebrate the progress in animal protection, the government and breeders are facing a race against time to find viable outcomes for the animals.
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Many breeders, especially the older ones, report difficulties in selling or donating the dogs, which are often large breeds and not in high demand.
The shelter network is already operating above capacity, and there are growing fears of mass abandonment, a black market, and even unauthorized euthanasias.
Dog Meat Ban And Cultural Change
The South Korean parliament approved the measure in January 2024, following decades of domestic and international pressure.
According to authorities, the decision responds to a clear change in population profile: an official survey showed that only 7% of South Koreans consumed dog meat in 2023 — a number well below the 27% recorded in 2015.
In 2025, 93% of respondents stated they had no intention of consuming this type of meat again even after the legal deadline.
The practice, historically tolerated and even encouraged in some regions, has lost support amid the rise in pet adoption and the popularization of causes related to animal welfare.
Presidents, celebrities, and opinion leaders have started to publicly condemn consumption, expanding the social debate.
Economic Impact Of The New Law
Currently, 1,156 farms breed dogs for consumption in South Korean territory.
It is estimated that 388 thousand dogs are slaughtered annually to supply about 1,666 specialized restaurants.
Many breeders are elderly, with few resources to redirect their business or care for the animals without financial return.
“Since last summer, I’ve been unable to sell or donate a single dog,” said producer Joo Yeong-bong to the BBC.
Another breeder, identified as Chan-woo, has over 600 dogs and says there is not enough infrastructure to relocate all of them before the deadline. “If we don’t slaughter them by 2027, we will be imprisoned,” he laments.
Relocation Of Dogs And Government Support Plan
To avoid a humanitarian and environmental disaster, the government announced a support plan that includes:
6 billion won per year (approximately R$ 24 million) to reinforce public shelters.
Payment of up to 600,000 won per dog (about R$ 2,400) to breeders who cease operations before the deadline and hand over the animals to the state.
Incentives for converting farms, such as cultivating mushrooms or vegetables.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, dogs that are legally surrendered will become the responsibility of local governments.
Mass euthanasia, according to the agency, “is not part of the official plans.”
However, the practical implementation of these measures faces serious limitations: lack of physical space, veterinary resources, and trained labor.
International Adoptions And The Role Of NGOs
Some NGOs have sought support abroad.
The Humane World for Animals Korea (Hwak), for example, rescued 200 dogs in Asan and sent them for adoption in Canada and the USA.
In 2025, a new mission rescued 67 dogs from a farm in Cheongju, many of them injured, and took them for rehabilitation in Maryland, USA.
Even with these efforts, the number of rescued dogs is minuscule compared to the estimated total.
Local organizations point out that most animals remain without a defined destination and warn of the possibility of increased abandonment and illegal practices.
From Tradition To Animal Protection
For centuries, dog meat was seen as part of South Korean food culture, especially in hot seasons, when it was believed that the dish strengthened the body.
But this paradigm has changed.
With the growth of the middle class, the rise in pet adoptions, and Western influence, the perception of dogs has shifted from the plate to the living room sofa.
Today, the country is following a global trend.
The practice is also facing restrictions in parts of China, India, and Indonesia.
South Korea is now taking the lead by legislating comprehensively and with a defined timeline, unlike countries where consumption is still merely discouraged.
Practical Challenges Until 2027
With time running out, the effectiveness of the new law will depend on the speed and quality of the actions taken.
To avoid a social and health collapse, the government will need to:
- Quickly expand the shelter network.
- Encourage large-scale national and international adoptions.
- Provide realistic technical and financial support to breeders.
- Strictly monitor illegal routes.
Without these measures, the goal of protecting the dogs could result in the opposite effect: prolonged suffering, abandonment, and death of the very animals the law aims to save.
Do you believe that shelters and incentives will be enough to save the 500 thousand dogs in South Korea by 2027?
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