In a historic move for animal welfare, South Korea’s National Assembly voted 208–0 on January 9, 2024, to ban the breeding, slghter, and sale of dogs for human consumption.
The decision signals the end of a centuries-old practice that has faced growing opposition from younger generations who increasingly see dogs as pets rather than food.
The new law includes a three-year transition period, giving farmers and restaurant owners time to move to other livelihoods. Full enforcement — including penalties of up to three years in prison — will begin in February 2027.
Activists estimate that nearly one million dogs were previously factory-farmed and k**led each year for the industry.
To support the transition, the government is offering subsidies and assistance to more than 1,100 dog farms and thousands of restaurants affected by the ban.
Animal welfare groups are also working to rescue and rehome hundreds of thousands of dogs still on farms.
For many observers, the decision marks a major cultural shift — and a significant step forward for animal protection worldwide.
The decision signals the end of a centuries-old practice that has faced growing opposition from younger generations who increasingly see dogs as pets rather than food.
The new law includes a three-year transition period, giving farmers and restaurant owners time to move to other livelihoods. Full enforcement — including penalties of up to three years in prison — will begin in February 2027.
Activists estimate that nearly one million dogs were previously factory-farmed and k**led each year for the industry.
To support the transition, the government is offering subsidies and assistance to more than 1,100 dog farms and thousands of restaurants affected by the ban.
Animal welfare groups are also working to rescue and rehome hundreds of thousands of dogs still on farms.
For many observers, the decision marks a major cultural shift — and a significant step forward for animal protection worldwide.
In a historic move for animal welfare, South Korea’s National Assembly voted 208–0 on January 9, 2024, to ban the breeding, slghter, and sale of dogs for human consumption.
The decision signals the end of a centuries-old practice that has faced growing opposition from younger generations who increasingly see dogs as pets rather than food.
The new law includes a three-year transition period, giving farmers and restaurant owners time to move to other livelihoods. Full enforcement — including penalties of up to three years in prison — will begin in February 2027.
Activists estimate that nearly one million dogs were previously factory-farmed and k**led each year for the industry.
To support the transition, the government is offering subsidies and assistance to more than 1,100 dog farms and thousands of restaurants affected by the ban.
Animal welfare groups are also working to rescue and rehome hundreds of thousands of dogs still on farms.
For many observers, the decision marks a major cultural shift — and a significant step forward for animal protection worldwide.
