Thousands of Farm Dogs Disappear as South Korea Readies 2027 Ban

Overview

• The National Assembly passed a law in January 2024 that will ban breeding, slaughter and sale of dogs for human consumption when it takes effect in February 2027 with penalties up to three years in prison.
• Government data show the sector has collapsed from an estimated 400,000–450,000 dogs in 2024 to about 20,000 now, and officials offered up to 600,000 won per dog to encourage farm closures.
• The Ministry of Agriculture says 1,265 dog‑breeding farms, roughly 82% of the total, had announced closures by the end of May, reflecting a rapid industry shutdown.
• The ministry inspects farms before paying compensation but does not track animals after payment, and legislator figures show only 623 recorded adoptions and fewer than 500 shelter transfers, prompting activists to say many dogs were likely culled.
• Reporting and rescues document animal‑welfare problems: KARA rescued 29 dogs from a Pyeongtaek farm in May, journalists found abandoned electrocution tools at an old slaughterhouse, and former breeders say bureaucratic licensing makes it hard to shift to new livelihoods.