Archive · 25 Jun 2025
South Korea to Ban Dog Meat Trade by 2027
South Korea has decided to stop the dog meat industry.
By 2027, it will be illegal to raise, sell, or eat dog meat.
This decision is good news for animal lovers, but it also creates problems.
There are hundreds of thousands of dogs on farms.
Animal groups are working to find homes for them.
Farmers are worried about what will happen to their businesses.
Some people disagree with the ban because they think it's a part of their culture, but many younger people now see dogs as family.
South Korea will ban the dog meat industry by 2027.
The law, passed in January 2024, prohibits breeding, slaughtering, selling, and serving dog meat.
Over 520,000 dogs were raised on 1,156 farms as of 2022.
Animal welfare groups and farmers face uncertainty regarding the fate of the dogs and government assistance.
Some people see the ban as government overreach, while others view it as a reflection of changing societal values.
- Who
- The South Korean government passed the ban.
- What
- South Korea is banning the dog meat industry.
- When
- The ban was passed in January 2024 and will be fully implemented by 2027.
- Where
- South Korea
- Why
- To reflect evolving societal values and protect animal welfare.
Supporters of the Ban
Opponents of the Ban
Societal Values vs. Tradition
Supporters of the Ban
View the ban as a major win for animal rights and a reflection of evolving societal values.
Opponents of the Ban
View the ban as government overreach and an infringement on cultural tradition.
Animal Welfare vs. Farmer Concerns
Supporters of the Ban
Support the ban, emphasizing the need to rehome dogs facing abandonment or euthanasia.
Opponents of the Ban
Express concern and uncertainty due to a lack of clarity on government compensation or transition support.
- Legislation Date
- January 2024
- Implementation Date
- 2027
- Dogs on farms (2022)
- Over 520,000
- Dog farms (2022)
- 1,156
- Restaurants consuming dog meat
- 1,666
- Consumption in 2015
- 27%
- Consumption in 2023
- 8%