South Korea’s parliament made a significant move on Tuesday, unanimously passing a special bill to outlaw the dog meat industry after years of debate across multiple administrations. The ban, which received 208 votes in favor and none against, with two abstentions, will take effect after a three-year grace period, beginning in 2027. Those involved in breeding, butchering, distributing, or selling dog meat for human consumption may face up to three years in jail or a fine of up to 30 million won ($22,800).
The decision was welcomed by animal rights advocates both domestically and worldwide. Activists estimate that nearly one million dogs are factory farmed and killed for human consumption in South Korea every year, despite only a small minority of the population still partaking in the practice. Public backlash fueled by animal cruelty concerns has intensified over the years, leading to this momentous ban.
According to government statistics, there are over 1,000 dog farms and about 1,600 restaurants selling dog meat dishes in South Korea. Although previous proposals to introduce a ban faced opposition from dog meat farmers and sellers, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s final approval is all but certain. Yoon and his wife, who are known animal lovers and own six pet dogs themselves, have been outspoken champions of a dog meat ban. The ruling People Power Party had previously aimed to introduce a ban by the end of 2023.
The bill also includes subsidies to support those whose livelihoods will be affected by the ban, easing their transition out of the dog meat industry. However, the ban has been met with frustration from dog farmers, who are expected to organize further protests and file an appeal to the constitutional court. The decision is part of a larger trend in Asia, where several countries and cities, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, and some in China and Indonesia, have outlawed dog meat consumption.
Overall, South Korea’s decision marks a turning point in the country’s attitude towards animal protection, illustrating a shift in public sentiment and reflecting growing concerns for animal welfare. The move is a historic victory for campaigners, and while the phaseout period begins, organizations like In Defense of Animals and Jindo Love Rescue will continue their work to rescue dogs from South Korean farms and place them in homes in the U.S. and Canada.