# South Korea dog meat industry transition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-dog-meat-industry-transition > Updated: 2026-10-23T21:40:51.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: South Korea dog meat farms close ahead of 2027 ban Nearly 90 percent of South Korea’s registered dog meat farms have closed ahead of a February 2027 ban, as welfare groups conduct final rescues of the remaining animals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-dog-meat-farms-close-ahead-of-2027-ban ### 2026-10-11: South Korea dog breeding farms see 87% closure ahead of meat ban Eighty-seven percent of South Korea's dog breeding farms have closed ahead of a 2027 ban on dog meat, leaving approximately 7,600 dogs remaining as the government prepares management and protection plans. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-dog-breeding-farms-see-87-closure-ahead-of-meat-ban --- Cite as: South Korea dog meat industry transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-dog-meat-industry-transition