South Korea’s canine meat ban leaves over 5 lakh canines and farmers in limbo

In January 2024, South Korea took a landmark resolution that shook centuries of cultural custom and despatched ripples throughout its farming neighborhood: a whole ban on the canine meat trade, set to take full impact by February 2027. The transfer, handed unanimously by the nation’s Nationwide Meeting, criminalises each step of the commerce from breeding and slaughter to distribution and consumption. For animal rights campaigners, it marked a historic shift towards compassion and trendy animal welfare norms. For farmers and merchants whose livelihoods have relied on the commerce, it signalled financial spoil with little readability on what comes subsequent. Now, halfway by way of the federal government’s three-year grace interval, each animals and people are caught in limbo. 

Over half one million canines: What occurs to them?

In response to 2022 authorities knowledge, greater than 520,000 canines – primarily giant breeds reminiscent of Tosa-Inus – have been being raised throughout over 1,100 farms for human consumption.

With public shelters already stretched and personal ones missing capability, rehoming efforts are buckling below strain. Native municipalities have been tasked with accepting surrendered canines, however large-breed animals typically face a stigma. Many are legally categorized as “harmful”, complicating adoption in city houses the place smaller pets are most well-liked.

Animal welfare activists, together with Lee Sangkyung of Humane World for Animals Korea, say the federal government has not outlined a transparent rescue technique. “Though the canine meat ban has handed, each the federal government and civic teams are nonetheless grappling with methods to rescue the remaining canines,” Lee informed BBC.

Some canines are being despatched overseas for adoption however these numbers are negligible in opposition to the dimensions of the issue. Critics warn of dire outcomes if no alternate options emerge. “If remaining canines develop into ‘misplaced and deserted animals’, then it is heartbreaking however they are going to be euthanised,” stated Cho Hee-kyung of the Korean Animal Welfare Affiliation.

The federal government denies euthanasia is a part of the official plan. As a substitute, it has launched monetary incentives, providing as much as 6,00,000 Korean received (about USD 450) per canine for farmers who voluntarily exit the commerce early.

Livelihoods at stake

For folks like Reverend Joo Yeong-bong, 60, the laws has remodeled his farm from a viable enterprise right into a burden. “Since final summer season, we have been making an attempt to promote our canines, however the merchants simply preserve hesitating. Not a single one has proven up,” he informed the BBC.

With mounting money owed and no patrons, many farmers really feel trapped. “We’re drowning in debt, cannot pay it off, and a few cannot even discover new work. It is a hopeless state of affairs,” stated Joo.

Chan-woo, a 33-year-old farmer with 600 canines, echoed the priority. He faces a authorized deadline of February 2027. Failing to close down might imply two years in jail. “Realistically, even simply on my farm, I am unable to course of the variety of canines I’ve in that point,” he stated. Regardless of investing all his financial savings into the farm, he claims each the authorities and activists have provided little sensible assist.

“There was no actual plan. They handed the legislation and now say they cannot even take the canines,” he added.

Public help grows, however so does unease

Whereas youthful South Koreans more and more see canines as companions, not delicacies, the transition has additionally sparked questions on moral consistency and cultural autonomy.

In response to Gallup Korea, canine meat consumption has plummeted, from 27 per cent in 2015 to only 8 per cent in 2023. A authorities survey in 2024 discovered solely 3.3 per cent of respondents supposed to proceed consuming canine meat post-ban.

But opposition stays. Some distributors accuse the federal government of giving in to Western ethical strain, whereas others argue the ban is hypocritical. “If canine meat is banned as a result of canines are animals, then why is it okay to eat different animals like cows, pigs or hen?” requested former canine meat farmer Yang Jong-tae, who shut down his farm in 2023.

Even so, Yang acknowledged that rescue groups had opened his eyes. “Once I noticed how they dealt with the animals, like they have been dealing with folks – it actually moved me. For us, elevating canines was only a technique to make a dwelling.”

Authorities response: Not sufficient, say critics

In response to the unfolding disaster, the Ministry of Agriculture, Meals and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has pledged 6 billion Korean received yearly to develop public shelters and help non-public ones. Nonetheless, civil society teams say the measures are too imprecise and inadequate.

“Public shelters are overcrowded, and personal ones do not have the funds or house,” stated JungAh Chae of Humane Society Worldwide Korea, who described the laws as “historical past within the making” – however warned that implementation is dangerously not on time.

What subsequent?

Because the February 2027 deadline approaches, calls are rising for a grace interval extension. Farmers say they want time, monetary help, and clearer steering. “Proper now, individuals are nonetheless holding on, hoping one thing would possibly change,” stated Joo. “However by 2027, I actually consider one thing horrible will occur.” As Seoul plans to outlaw a centuries-old apply by 2027, canines bred for slaughter and farmers who relied on the commerce now face an unsure future.