South Korea Moves to Outlaw Dog Slaughter and Sale for Meat

A new law in South Korea, set to take effect by 2027, criminalizes the slaughter and sale of dogs for meat, aiming to end the age-old practice. The legislation doesn’t make dog meat consumption illegal, focusing instead on the dog meat trade.

Convictions for butchering dogs carry a maximum three-year prison sentence while raising or selling dogs for meat could result in a two-year sentence.

The law provides a three-year transition period for farmers and restaurant owners to find alternative sources of income. With 1,600 dog meat restaurants and 1,150 dog farms in 2023, South Korea plans to phase out these businesses.

The government pledges support for affected parties, but compensation details are pending. Despite opposition from some older individuals, President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, known animal lovers, support the ban, marking a significant step after past failed attempts to prohibit dog meat consumption.

Animal rights groups applaud the decision, while dog meat farmers express concern about losing their livelihoods.