Most Dog Meat Farms in South Korea Have Closed Since Ban Took Effect
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea is on track to end dog meat farming nationwide by early 2027, as the vast majority of dog-breeding operations have already shut down following the implementation of a landmark ban, government data showed this week.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said on Sunday that about 78 percent of the country’s dog meat farms have closed since the Dog Meat Consumption Ban Act took effect in August last year. Of the 1,537 farms that existed before the law was enacted, 1,204 have ceased operations, leaving 333 farms housing roughly 36,700 dogs.
Since August alone, 125 farms have closed, reducing the number of dogs raised for consumption by more than 47,500. If the current pace continues, the ministry said, South Korea is expected to meet its target of fully eliminating dog meat production by February 2027.
The closures have proceeded faster than initially projected. According to the ministry, roughly half of the farms that were scheduled to shut down after next year have opted for early closure, reflecting growing acceptance of the phaseout policy.
To ease the transition, the government is working with local authorities to support farmers who close early, offering financial assistance, low-interest loans and business consulting for those seeking to switch to alternative livelihoods.
The ban marks a significant shift in South Korea’s agricultural and cultural landscape, as public opposition to dog meat consumption has grown steadily in recent years, particularly among younger generations.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
