South Korea Plans to Abandon Dog Meat By 2027

South Korea intends to implement a complete ban on the consumption of dog meat by 2027. It is expected that the bill will be passed later this year.

This was reported by the South Korean news agency Yonhap.

Currently, the consumption of dog meat in Korea is not explicitly prohibited but is not entirely legal. Despite years of attempts, none of the governments in the last decade have succeeded in ending this widespread traditional practice.

However, generational changes are making an impact. Today, an increasing number of Korean youth are against the consumption of dog meat. Moreover, such a practice is considered a manifestation of harsh treatment of animals and is sharply condemned by international human rights organizations.

"We will push for a special bill within this year to end dog meat consumption," emphasized the representative of the ruling party, Yu Eui-dong, after parliamentary discussions.

Thus, parliamentarians plan to gradually reduce, and later completely eliminate, the infrastructure supporting the consumption of dog meat: dog farms, slaughterhouses, trading points, and restaurants with dog meat.

"We will provide full support to farmers, butchers, and other businesses threatened with closure or requalification due to this law," said the deputy. However, according to the parliamentarian, compensation will only be available to legally registered companies that provide a clear plan for winding down and transforming their activities.

Reacting to discussions about the future bill, the head of the Korea Dog Meat Farmers’ Association, Joo Young-bong, called the deputies' proposal "unviable" for farmers engaged in this craft since the 60s and 70s of the last century. He emphasized that the voices of farmers and other stakeholders were not heard.

It is worth noting that as of 2022, there were approximately 1,150 dog farms and over half a million dogs in South Korea raised for meat consumption.

At the same time, each year in Korea, the number of citizens keeping dogs as pets increases. In particular, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee have 11 pets — six dogs and five cats.