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Key Points

South Korea's dog meat ban has led to 70% of farms shutting down within a year. The government is providing subsidies to help workers transition to new jobs. Violators will face prison or fines starting in 2027. Officials aim to make South Korea a leader in animal welfare by 2027.

Key Points: 70% of South Korea Dog Farms Close After Meat Ban

  • Over 1,000 dog farms closed post-ban
  • 346,000 dogs no longer raised for meat
  • Government offers job transition subsidies
  • Violators face prison or fines after 2027
2 min read

70 pc of dog farms in S. Korea closed business after dog meat ban: Ministry

South Korea reports 70% of dog farms shut down within a year of the dog meat ban, with subsidies aiding industry transition.

"We will help all dog farms change or close their businesses by 2027 – Agriculture Ministry official"

Seoul, Aug 14

Seven out of 10 dog farms in South Korea have closed their doors since the country enacted a law banning dog meat consumption a year earlier, the agriculture ministry said on Thursday.

Of a total of 1,537 dog farms nationwide, 1,072, or 70 percent, have shut down their operations since the special bill on banning dog meat consumption took effect in August last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The shuttered farms had raised 346,000 dogs, which account for 74 percent of the 468,000 dogs raised for meat across the country, reports Yonhap news agency.

By the end of 2025, more than 75 percent of the farms are expected to have closed their doors, according to the ministry.

A ministry official said the closure rate was higher than expected thanks to growing public awareness that it is the "task of this generation" to end dog meat consumption and government incentives.

The special legislation bans the breeding, butchering, distributing and selling of dogs for meat. It also calls for subsidies to help people in the dog meat industry switch jobs.

Following a three-year grace period, violators of the law will face a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won (US$21,753), starting in 2027.

The bill bans the breeding, butchering, distributing and selling of dogs for meat while calling for subsidies to help people in the dog meat industry switch jobs.

Following a three-year grace period, violators of the law will face a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won (US$20,583), starting in 2027.

"We will help all dog farms change or close their businesses by 2027," an agriculture ministry official said, vowing to work to make South Korea a nation with an advanced animal welfare system.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the animal welfare aspect, I wonder about the livelihoods lost. 70% closure in one year is drastic. The government should ensure proper rehabilitation of affected workers.
A
Arjun K
Cultural practices take time to change. In India we have our own debates about meat consumption. But dogs are different - they're companions, not food. Good decision by Korea!
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see how quickly change can happen when there's political will. The 3-year grace period seems reasonable to allow for transition. Hope the subsidies reach the actual workers.
V
Vikram M
As an animal lover, I'm happy about this news. But we must remember - in India we have our own issues with stray dogs. Maybe we can learn from Korea's animal welfare approach.
K
Kavya N
The punishment seems quite harsh though - 2 years jail for selling dog meat? That's more than some violent crimes get in our country. The law should be balanced.

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