Approximately 70% of dog farms in Korea shut down within the first year of the dog meat ban, as per data from the Agriculture Ministry.

Approximately 70% of dog farms in Korea shut down within the first year of the dog meat ban, as per data from the Agriculture Ministry.

South Korea is experiencing a significant shift in the dog meat industry following the announcement of the government's plan to ban dog meat consumption. Here's a look at the current status:

1. Ban Implementation and Consequences: The ban on dog meat, which includes breeding, butchering, distributing, and selling dogs for meat, is scheduled to take effect in February 2027. Violators of the ban will face legal consequences, including a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won ($21,753).
2. Impact on Dog Farms: Since the ban was announced, about 70% of dog farms in South Korea have closed, with 1,072 out of 1,537 farms shutting down. The number is expected to rise further, with more than 75% of farms predicted to close by the end of 2025. The exact number of dog farms that have not closed is currently unknown.
3. Current Practices of Restaurants: Some dog meat restaurants are still operating, but there is a growing effort to reduce this practice. Many advocates are pushing for a complete halt before the ban becomes enforceable.
4. Government Assistance: The Seoul government is providing assistance to dog meat restaurants to help them transition out of the dog meat business. Additionally, Korea is developing strategies to combat dog meat fraud, though the effectiveness of the detection kit in Seoul is not yet clear.
5. Animal Welfare and Public Awareness: Public awareness and government incentives are driving the closure of dog farms and the shift away from dog meat consumption. Many dogs are being rehomed as pets or transferred to local governments.

As of September 26, 2024, a dog meat restaurant in Seoul was vacant, suggesting that it may have closed due to the ban and transition assistance. The overall impact of the dog meat ban on the industry is not yet detailed.

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