South Korea's Ban on Dog Meat Industry Triggers Uncertainty and Anger

Strategic Insights -

As South Korea outlaws a centuries-old tradition, the fate of thousands of dogs and the people who raised them hangs in the balance. Last January, the country made history by unanimously passing a law that bans the dog meat industry in its entirety. By 2027, breeding, slaughtering, distributing, and serving dog meat will be illegal nationwide, where dogs will be increasingly seen not as food, but as companions. The legislation has been hailed by global animal rights supporters as a shift in public sentiment, with only 8% of South Koreans reporting consuming dog meat, down sharply from 27% in 2015.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 520,000 dogs are living on more than 1,100 farms across South Korea, as of 2022, according to the country's Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
  • Rescue groups are overwhelmed, and many fear that thousands of animals could face abandonment due to the lack of rehoming options.
  • The ban has triggered uncertainty and anger among the thousands of farmers, vendors, and restaurant owners once dependent on the dog meat trade.
  • The South Korean government has allocated around 6 billion Korean won per year to expand public animal shelters and support private ones.
  • The government will also provide up to 600,000 Korean won per dog to farmers who agree to close their businesses early.
  • Public sentiment has shifted against the dog meat industry, with only 3.3% of respondents in a 2024 government poll saying they would continue to eat dog meat after the 2027 ban takes effect.
  • The ban poses a logistical and ethical puzzle, with some farmers fearing poverty and others worrying about their future.
  • Some dog meat sellers have threatened drastic protests, accusing the government of being influenced to Western influence and violating personal freedoms.
  • Activists like Ms.Chun argue that dogs have a unique space in modern Korean homes as pets, not products, and point out concerns about hygiene and regulation in the industry.

Statistics:

  • 8% of South Koreans reported consuming dog meat in 2023, down from 27% in 2015 (Gallup Korea poll).
  • Over 520,000 dogs are living on more than 1,100 farms across South Korea, as of 2022 (Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries).
  • 6 billion Korean won (approximately $4.8 million USD) is allocated per year to expand public animal shelters and support private ones.
  • 600,000 Korean won (approximately $450 USD) is the maximum amount provided to farmers who agree to close their businesses early per dog.
  • 3.3% of respondents in a 2024 government poll said they would continue to eat dog meat after the 2027 ban takes effect.

Sources:

  • Gallup Korea poll (2023)
  • Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (2022)
  • BBC (2022)
  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd. (2025)
  • Contify.com (2025)