The South Korean government announced on Thursday its plan to rehome nearly half a million dogs from the dog farming industry. The country is preparing to ban dog meat farming by 2027.
The Ministry of Agriculture announced incentives to encourage dog farmers to release their animals. Around $75 million will be given in subsidies to help farmers transition out of the dog meat industry.
The ministry will offer financial aid to close down farms, restaurants, and slaughterhouses that rely on dog meat.
Farmers will also be compensated for surrendering their dogs, which will either be rehomed or put in shelters.
This initiative comes as public support for banning dog meat has increased. More South Koreans view dogs as pets instead of food.
President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, both animal lovers, have supported this plan to address animal welfare concerns while giving farmers an opportunity to transition away from the practice.
However, some in the dog meat industry argue that the compensation is insufficient and are advocating for greater financial support.
While animal welfare organizations recognize the ban as a significant step forward, they are concerned about the fate of nearly half a million dogs that will need new homes.
The country needs more animal shelters, and people in South Korea don’t often adopt a dog from a shelter.
South Korea still has over 1,500 dog breeding farms, more than 200 dog slaughterhouses, and around 2,300 restaurants serving dog meat.
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