South Korea Announces Compensation for Dog Meat Industry Ahead of Ban

South Korea has announced plans to compensate farmers and others in the country's dwindling dog meat industry before a formal ban goes into effect in 2027. This move has drawn opposition from both farmers and animal rights activists.

In January, South Korea's parliament passed a landmark bill that will ban slaughtering, breeding, or selling dog meat for human consumption after a three-year grace period. Violating the ban will be punishable by 2-3 years in prison.

The Agriculture Ministry has announced that farmers will receive compensation starting from 225,000 won ($170) and rising up to 600,000 won ($450) per dog if they agree to shut down their business early. However, farmers are likely to reject this offer, as they previously demanded 2 million won ($1,505) per dog. They argue that the ban infringes on their freedom and will worsen their economic difficulties.

Animal rights activists have expressed mixed reactions to the compensation plan. While they welcome the ban as a historic milestone, they are concerned that paying farmers based on the number of dogs they have could incentivize increased breeding and suffering.

Dog meat consumption is a centuries-old practice on the Korean Peninsula, but the industry has drawn increasing scrutiny due to South Korea's growing reputation as a cultural and economic powerhouse. It is also the only nation with industrial-scale dog farms.

The anti-dog meat campaign received a significant boost from the country's first lady, Kim Keon Hee, who has repeatedly expressed her support for a ban. However, she has faced criticism and insults from farmers during demonstrations.

Surveys indicate that around one in three South Koreans oppose the ban, although most people no longer eat dog meat and favor its prohibition.

The government estimates that approximately 466,000 dogs are currently being raised for food in South Korea. Officials will attempt to convince farmers to voluntarily phase out dog breeding before the ban takes effect.

After the ban comes into force, the government plans to facilitate adoptions for the remaining dogs or move them to care facilities rather than euthanize them. The agriculture ministry will also offer financial assistance to butchers, traders, and restaurant owners to help them shut down their businesses and find new jobs.