40% of South Korean dog farms close after consumption ban

By Phan Anh February 11, 2025 | 05:38 am PT

Dogs are kept in a cage waiting to sold for meat at a shop in Seongnam, South Korea, 2001. Photo by Reuters

40% of dog farms in South Korea have shut down since a law prohibiting dog consumption took effect last year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Monday.

Ministry data show that 623 out of 1,537 dog farms have closed since August 2024, Yonhap reported. Officials predict around 60% of all dog farms in the country will cease operations by the end of this year.

The ban, which went into effect in August 2024, outlaws breeding, butchering, distributing and selling dogs for meat. Under the new regulations, violators may face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to ₩30 million (US$20,637) starting in 2027, the Korea Herald reported.

An agriculture ministry official said the government plans to support affected dog farms in either transitioning to other businesses or closing down by 2027.