The decision of South Korea to disable the industry of dog meat is considered to be the main victory as the rights of animals and a reflection of developing social values. The sweeping legislation, which was carried out unanimously in January 2024, will make breeding, defeat, sale and serving dogs for meat illegal across the country by 2027.
But the ban also raised a difficult question: What happens to estimated hundreds of thousands of dogs that are currently increasing for consumption?
According to a BBC The report, while this movement means the beginning of the end for centuries -old practice, has left both dog farmers and groups of good animal life conditions that faced uncertainty. According to data from South Korea for food, agriculture, forestry and fishing, more than 520,000 dogs per 1 156 farms have been raised since 2022. Almost 388,000 dogs were consumed every year in 1,666 restaurants.
While public attitudes towards dog meat have shifted dramatically in recent years, with a survey of 2023 Gallup, which consumed only 8% of the South Koreans last year (27% of 27% in 2015) remain complex logistics and ethical challenges.
Animal groups welcomed this step. Jungah Chae of Humane Society International Korea described the law as “history in production”. Yet the rescue organization is now competing against time to rehabilitate dogs who would otherwise face abandonment or euthanasia.
Meanwhile, dog meat farmers express deep concerns. Some, such as Mr. Chan-Woo, joined the trade ten years ago-they now have industry in the “complete limbo” because they are waiting for clarity about government compensation or transition support. Others, including Mr. Joo, are afraid that without concrete help, pressure could lead to desperate results.
Legislation also caused resistance from those who consider this step to overlap the government into a personal eating selection. While the younger generations are increasingly perceived by dogs as family members, others say that the law is undermined by the cultural tradition.
The South Korean government promised support to farmers and companies affected by the ban, but the details remain limited. As the term 2027 approaches, activists say that the actual test lies not only in recovery, but to ensure that dogs are not forgotten in the middle.
(Tagstotranslate) a ban on dog meat
