South Korea Introduces Incentives and Adoptions Before Dog Farming Ban, Reports Reuters

By Ju-min Park

SEOUL – South Korea is set to assist in rehoming nearly 500,000 dogs that have been bred for food, as well as provide subsidies and incentives to dog farmers in preparation for a ban on dog meat that will come into effect in early 2027, according to the agriculture ministry.

In January, the country’s parliament passed a bill to prohibit the consumption and sale of dog meat, marking the end of a controversial tradition that has persisted for centuries amid increasing support for animal welfare and diminishing interest in consuming dog meat.

Park Beom-su, the vice agriculture minister, announced that the government plans to allocate approximately 100 billion won (around $75 million) to incentivize dog breeders, farmers, and restaurants to cease their operations. Farmers will be eligible to receive up to 600,000 won (roughly $452) for each dog they surrender, with efforts being made to facilitate the adoption and rehoming of these animals.

“Although there are concerns that the remaining dogs may face euthanasia or be processed for consumption over the next three years, I can assure you that is not our intention,” Park stated.

Historically, eating dog meat was believed to enhance stamina during the hot summer months in Korea, but as attitudes have shifted and more Koreans have begun to view dogs as companions, the practice has declined. There are currently over 1,500 dog breeding farms and around 200 dog slaughterhouses in the country, with approximately 2,300 restaurants still serving dog meat.

Support for the ban, scheduled to take effect in February 2027, has gained traction under President Yoon Suk Yeol, a known animal lover who shares his home with six dogs and eight cats, alongside First Lady Kim Keon Hee, an outspoken opponent of dog meat consumption.

However, the government’s initiative has faced criticism from some animal rights activists and members of the dog meat industry. Sangkyung Lee, a campaign manager with an animal rights group, noted that while the plan represents a significant step forward, authorities must improve the welfare of animals that will no longer be bred for consumption. He pointed out that animal shelters are unlikely to accommodate such a large number of dogs, given that less than 10% of pets in South Korea are rescued animals.

Ju Yeongbong, representing a group in the dog meat industry, expressed concerns that government subsidies would be inadequate and emphasized the need for more reasonable support. “This is our livelihood, and if the government wants us to abandon it, they should provide better assistance,” Ju said.