The ban will finally take effect in 2027
The ban will take effect in 2027. Until then, there will be a three-year grace period during which dog breeding farms, associated meat processing plants and restaurants serving dog meat will have to close or be converted. The government has set up special financial assistance programmes for this purpose.
Those who continue to breed dogs for slaughter, cut them up or distribute their meat after the grace period ends face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won (two million rubles).
According to government statistics, there are currently about 1,150 dog farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution companies and about 1,600 restaurants serving dog meat in South Korea
A large percentage of Koreans no longer eat dog meat
Animal advocates greeted the passage of the law with great enthusiasm. “We believe this ban marks a significant turning point in South Korea’s attitude towards animal welfare. We have reached this tipping point and will send this outdated industry into the history books,” said Lee Sang-kyung of the local branch of the International Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
