South Korea dog breeding farms see 87% closure ahead of meat ban

South Korean dog breeding farms are closing rapidly ahead of a nationwide ban on the breeding, slaughter, distribution, and sale of dogs for human consumption, set to take effect on February 7, 2027.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported that 1,339 out of 1,537 farms (87%) have already ceased operations. This closure rate is approximately 30% higher than initial projections. The accelerated decline is attributed to a government incentive program that provides tiered financial support to farms that close early.

The number of breeding dogs has plummeted from approximately 468,000 reported in August 2024 to roughly 7,600 remaining. To manage this transition, the Ministry plans to conduct special inspections from November to December to ensure compliance and prevent illegal re-breeding. Additionally, the government is developing a protection and management system for remaining dogs, particularly those that may be abandoned by owners during the closure process, by considering factors such as breed, age, and sociality.