Dog Meat Abolition Nears, But Illegal Slaughter and Trafficking Persist

Although 1,265 out of 1,537 dog farms nationwide have completed their closure, illegal slaughter and clandestine distribution continue. Recently, the animal rights group CARE discovered 29 dogs on a farm in Pyeongtaek. Slaughter tools and numerous dog bones were found at the site, prompting Pyeongtaek City to take emergency isolation and rescue measures. Animal welfare group ACT also rescued 7 dogs from an illegal slaughterhouse site on May 9, with the cooperation of Suncheon City. On May 30, a truck carrying dogs in cages was spotted at the Sintanjin rest stop. CARE suggested this indicates a move to slaughter dogs en masse and freeze them before the Dog Meat Abolition Act takes effect, warning of further underground activities.

The special act on the abolition of dog meat consumption was implemented in August 2024, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs supporting farm closures aiming for complete abolition by February 2025. As of this month, 1,265 out of the 1,537 dog farms nationwide have completed their shutdown.

Under the current system, difficulties arise in rescuing and protecting the dogs if farm owners do not relinquish ownership, creating a systemic blind spot. The government and local authorities must collaborate to establish public shelters and operational budgets in advance to take in dogs from non-closed farms. A system is needed to support the training, treatment, and socialization processes for dogs raised for consumption, which exhibit different temperaments than companion animals. The government must actively encourage farm owners to relinquish ownership and expand facilities and personnel for the protection, adoption, and management of these animals.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans special inspections from June to August targeting farms that have not complied with dog meat abolition or have completed closures. If violations are found, measures such as reclaiming closure support funds will be pursued. After September, in cooperation with local governments, the ministry plans to take corrective actions and issue closure orders for non-compliant farms. The abolition of dog meat consumption is a task that requires not only industrial structural change but also progress in animal welfare and public perception. Efforts will be made to ensure no disruption to achieving the goal by concurrently managing field operations and supporting farm owners during the remaining period.