South Korea’s 2024 decision to ban dog meat has upended the lives of farmers and left an estimated half a million dogs in limbo. The legislation, which gave dog meat farmers until February 2027 to shutter their operations, was widely applauded by animal rights groups. But halfway through the transition period, many farmers say they are being forced into financial ruin—with no clear government plan to rehome the animals they once raised for meat.
“When the law passed, I thought they would take responsibility for the dogs,” says Chan-woo, a 33-year-old farmer facing the prospect of prison if he fails to shut down in time. “But now no one wants the dogs—not traders, not butchers, not even the animal groups.”
Many farmers report being stuck with hundreds of large dogs they can’t sell or give away. Breeds favored for meat production—such as tosa-inus—are not only stigmatized, but often labeled “dangerous,” requiring special licenses to keep as pets. And in South Korea’s urban society, potential adopters tend to prefer smaller dogs. Animal shelters are already overcrowded.
A government spokesperson said local authorities would take over surrendered dogs and house them in shelters. However, the Ministry of Agriculture has admitted rehoming is a challenge, and that it is investing ₩6 billion ($4.3 million) annually to expand shelter capacity and offering ₩600,000 ($450) per dog to farmers who close early.
Animal rights groups, too, are overwhelmed. “The ban passed, but there’s still no real plan for the dogs,” says Lee Sangkyung of Humane World for Animals Korea. “Without adoption, euthanasia is becoming an unfortunate reality.”
The situation is particularly dire for younger farmers, who have invested heavily in an industry that has now been criminalized. Older farmers recall hardship during the Korean War and say they can survive poverty again—but warn that the younger generation is at risk of collapse.
As of June 2025, 623 of South Korea’s 1,537 dog farms have closed. But thousands remain operational and uncertain about their future. With public interest in dog meat consumption at an all-time low—only 8% of citizens reported eating dog meat in 2024—cultural attitudes have shifted, yet the human cost of the transition remains unresolved.
“People are clinging to hope that something might change,” says Reverend Joo Yeong-bong, head of the Korean Association of Edible Dogs. “But by 2027, if nothing improves, I fear the consequences will be tragic—for both the people and the animals.”
Source: BBC
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
