On Tuesday, South Korea’s parliament enacted a landmark legislation banning the production and sale of dog meat, following growing calls for animal rights and concerns about the country’s international image.
The legislation, which will take effect in 2027 after a three-year transition period, criminalizes the slaughter, breeding, and sale of dog meat for human consumption, with penalties ranging from two to three years in prison. It does not impose penalties for the consumption of dog meat itself.
Although eating dog meat has been a traditional practice in South Korea for centuries, believed to provide endurance during hot summer months, it has neither been explicitly prohibited nor legalized in the country. Recent surveys reveal that over half of South Koreans support the ban, with a significant number having ceased eating dog meat. However, about one-third of the population remains opposed to the ban, despite not consuming it themselves. The National Assembly passed the bill unanimously, with a vote of 208 to 0. The law is expected to be formalized after approval by the Council of Ministers and the signature of President Yoon Suk-yeol, who supports the ban.
The legislation aims to advance animal rights, promoting respect for life and harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. It includes provisions to assist dog breeders and others in the industry with transitioning to alternative livelihoods. Specific details will be worked out by government officials, breeders, experts, and animal rights advocates. Following the passage of the bill, numerous animal rights activists gathered at the National Assembly to celebrate, waving large photos of dogs and chanting slogans such as “Dog meat-free Korea is coming.” The Humane Society International praised the law as a historic milestone. JungAh Chae, the general manager of HSI’s Korean office, expressed surprise and gratitude, highlighting the determination of the animal protection movement in achieving this victory. Dog meat is also consumed in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, North Korea, and some African countries. However, South Korea’s dog meat industry has drawn significant attention due to the country’s cultural and economic prominence. South Korea is known for its large-scale dog farming, with some farms raising thousands of dogs. Many dog breeders have expressed frustration with the new law. Son Won Hak, a farmer and former head of a farmers’ association, described the legislation as a form of state oppression and vowed to challenge it legally and through protests. He indicated that breeders plan to petition the Constitutional Court and meet to discuss further actions.
The precise size of South Korea’s dog meat industry is not officially documented, but estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of dogs are slaughtered annually. First Lady Kim Keon Hee’s support for the ban has significantly boosted the campaign, though it has also led to criticism and insults from farmers.
The legislation’s support mechanisms for breeders remain unclear. Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung promised that the government would develop reasonable assistance packages. Breeders’ representative Ju Yeongbong stated that most are elderly and hope to continue their business until their main customer base, the elderly, passes away. However, Ju criticized the law for offering limited support and no compensation for the dogs.
Cheon Jin-Kyung, director of Korea Animal Rights Advocates, accused breeders of demanding excessive compensation. She noted that compensation based on the number of dogs would not be accepted but acknowledged that finding a fair solution would be challenging.
Public opinion on the ban remains divided. Seoul resident Kim Myung-ae, 58, argued that dogs should be considered pets rather than food. In contrast, Jeong Yoon Hee, another resident, contended that consuming dog meat is a matter of personal choice and cultural tradition, emphasizing that dogs are not people.
