South Korea to Rehome 500,000 Dogs as Ban on Dog Meat Approaches | Multibagger
By Ju-min Park
In a groundbreaking move, South Korea is set to rehome nearly half a million dogs bred for food as the country prepares to implement a ban on the practice in early 2027. This decision comes after growing support for animal welfare and a decline in the consumption of dog meat.
According to Vice Agriculture Minister Park Beom-su, the government will allocate approximately 100 billion won ($75 million) in incentives to assist dog breeders, farmers, and restaurants in transitioning away from the dog meat industry. Farmers who surrender their dogs can receive up to 600,000 won ($452) per animal, with efforts being made to find new homes for these animals.
Contrary to concerns about the fate of remaining dogs, Park assured that euthanasia or processing for consumption is not part of the plan. The tradition of eating dog meat, once thought to boost stamina in the Korean summer, has become increasingly rare as attitudes towards dogs have shifted.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, an animal lover himself, has been a proponent of the ban, which will come into effect in February 2027. However, the government's plan has faced criticism from both animal activists and members of the dog meat industry.
Sangkyung Lee of Humane Society International emphasized the importance of managing the welfare of dogs no longer bred for food, pointing out the challenge of accommodating such a large number of animals in shelters. On the other hand, Ju Yeongbong, representing the dog meat industry, expressed dissatisfaction with the level of government subsidies and called for more comprehensive support plans.
As the ban on dog meat approaches, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure a smooth transition for both the animals and the industry. This move reflects a significant shift in societal values and highlights the importance of considering the welfare of all living beings.