South Korea’s National Assembly approved a landmark law that bans the cultivation, slaughter, distribution, and sale of dog meat for human consumption. The decision marks a turning point for animal rights advocates who have long campaigned for reforms in the Asian nation.
The measure, a compromise championed by the ruling People Power Party and supported by other parties as well as the first lady, Kim Keon-hee, passed with broad support. It received 208 votes in favor and two abstentions. The enactment will take effect after a three year grace period, with the prohibition fully enforced starting in 2027. Violators could face up to two years in prison or a fine exceeding 30 million won, roughly twenty two thousand U.S. dollars.
The new rule sets out that the state will assist individuals involved in the dog meat industry to transition into other economic activities, offering subsidies and retraining opportunities to reduce hardship during the shift.
Government data indicate that around 1,150 dog farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distributors, and about 1,600 restaurants still participate in dog meat production and service. These establishments have mixed menus that sometimes include dog meat dishes among other offerings.
Traditional dog meat consumption has declined as trends shift toward pet ownership and changing cultural attitudes. Recent studies show that a large portion of South Koreans have never eaten dog meat and do not intend to do so in the future. Over the past decade, the government and various industry associations have closed many farms and slaughterhouses and supported owners as they pivot to different lines of business. This transition mirrors broader changes in consumer preferences and animal welfare awareness across the country while aligning with evolving international perspectives on meat production.
Civic and policy observers in Canada and the United States note that the new law reflects a broader trend toward stricter animal welfare standards and a move away from traditional meat practices in some parts of Asia. Analysts emphasize that the transition programs and regulatory clarity provided by the law may serve as a model for other regions seeking to reduce animal-sourced foods while offering workers viable alternatives. The law’s passage is seen as a signal of South Korea’s commitment to progressive reforms in agriculture, public health, and social values. Marked citations indicate official government statistics and legislative records that document the change and its implementation path, while observers continue to monitor its social and economic effects across the meat supply network.