In a significant move towards animal welfare, South Korea has announced a plan to allocate approximately 100 billion won (US$75 million) to eliminate the dog meat trade by 2027. This initiative aims to rehome nearly 500,000 dogs that are bred for food, providing financial incentives to dog farmers who surrender their animals [0dec8f90]. Under the new legislation, which follows a bill passed by parliament in January 2024, farmers can receive up to 600,000 won (US$452) for each dog surrendered [0dec8f90].
President Yoon Suk-yeol, known for his advocacy for animal rights, has expressed strong support for the ban, reflecting a growing societal shift towards animal welfare in South Korea [0dec8f90]. The decision comes amid increasing public sentiment against the dog meat trade, which has been a controversial aspect of South Korean food culture for decades. However, the initiative has not been without its critics. Animal rights activists and representatives from the dog meat industry have raised concerns regarding the adequacy of the subsidies and the welfare of the animals during the transition [0dec8f90].
The ban is set to take effect in February 2027, marking a pivotal moment in South Korea's legislative approach to animal rights. As the country moves towards this goal, the government is expected to implement various programs aimed at educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the ethical treatment of animals [0dec8f90]. This initiative is part of a broader trend in East Asia, where countries are increasingly reevaluating their relationships with traditional food practices involving animals, reflecting changing attitudes towards animal welfare and rights [0dec8f90].