South Korea dog meat industry transition

South Korea is experiencing a rapid contraction of its dog meat industry as the country prepares for a nationwide ban on the breeding, slaughter, distribution, and sale of dogs for human consumption, effective February 7, 2027.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, approximately 87 percent of the nation’s 1,537 registered dog meat farms have already ceased operations. This closure rate is roughly 30 percent higher than initial projections, aided by a government incentive program providing financial support for early closures. The canine population in these facilities has dropped from approximately 468,000 in August 2024 to roughly 7,600 remaining dogs.

As the deadline approaches, animal welfare organizations are conducting rescue operations. For example, Humane World for Animals recently rescued over 70 dogs from a facility in Gangjin County, with many animals being transported to the United States and Canada for adoption. To manage the transition, the government plans to conduct special inspections between November and December to ensure compliance and prevent illegal re-breeding, while also developing management systems for dogs that may be abandoned during the closure process.