As the deadline for the dog meat ban approaches in about four months, 87% of dog farms have completed their shutdowns. This figure exceeds the initial target by approximately 30%, with the remaining dog population reduced to around 7,600.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported that as of the deadline on September 21, 1,339 out of 1,537 farms had closed. This is significantly higher than the planned cumulative closure of 1,030 farms. The ministry attributes the early closures to incentive support for farms that shut down early and special inspections conducted during the summer.
The scale of dog farming has also decreased dramatically. When farms submitted their closure plans in August 2024, there were over 468,000 registered dogs. Following the closures, the remaining population has dropped to about 7,600.
To encourage the remaining farms to close by the implementation date of February 7, 2027, the ministry plans to strengthen on-site inspections in collaboration with local governments. Special winter inspections will be conducted for all dog farms in November and December this year. These inspections will verify whether closed farms are rearing dogs again and if the remaining farms are following through with their closure plans.
Farms that fail to manage their dog populations properly, such as increasing the number of dogs or not separating males and females, may face corrective orders or closure orders under relevant laws. This is part of the strategy to expedite the closure of remaining farms.
The ministry is also preparing measures for the protection and management of any dogs that may remain after the ban. Local governments will develop management plans considering the breed, size, age, and sociability of individual dogs to ensure a swift response to any dogs left behind due to abandonment. Detailed plans will be formulated based on feedback from relevant agencies and stakeholders.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will continue to promote the implementation date and prohibitions outlined in the law to ensure the system is effectively established. Lee Yong-jik, head of the Animal Welfare Policy Bureau, stated, “The end of dog meat consumption is a significant turning point in raising the level of animal welfare in our society. We will meticulously manage the closure of remaining farms and thoroughly prepare for any issues related to leftover dogs after the ban.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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