In South Korea almost eliminated the industry of breeding dogs for meat

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea reported that 87% of local farms specializing in breeding dogs for subsequent consumption have already stopped their activities. This comes ahead of a complete legislative ban on trade in such products, which will come into force in February 2027.

On Friday, the ministry clarified that as of September 21, when the fifth stage of the program to curtail this activity was completed, 1,339 of the 1,537 corresponding farms of the country stopped working, which is 87% in percentage ratio.

It is noted that the number of closed enterprises by 30% exceeded the initial planned indicators, which assumed the shutdown of 1,030 farms by the end of the fifth stage. The Ministry explains the accelerated pace of business curtailment by the program of financial support for livestock breeders, as well as a number of special inspections organized in the summer.

In parallel, there was a sharp decrease in the number of animals raised for meat. If in August 2024, when the owners of the farms applied for cessation of activity, there were about 468,000 individuals in the farms, then by the end of the fifth stage of the program, their number decreased to about 7.6 thousand.

Until February 7, 2027, the date of entry into force of the nationwide ban on breeding dogs for food purposes, the Ministry plans to tighten control measures together with regional administrations. In November and December, large-scale inspections will cover both existing and already closed enterprises. The inspectors will have to find out whether the farms that stopped production have tried to resume work, and whether the remaining farmers are complying with approved business winding down schedules.

Enterprises that violate established standards of keeping animals, including the illegal increase of livestock or the absence of separation of males and females, face official orders for immediate elimination of violations or complete closure.

The government also intends to develop a system for ensuring the safety and care of dogs that will remain on the farms after their work stops, including animals that the former owners refuse. Individual decisions will be made taking into account the breed, size, age and behavioral characteristics of each pet.

In accordance with a special legislative act adopted in the Republic of Korea, starting from February 7, 2027, the breeding, fattening, slaughtering, distribution and sale of dogs as a food product will be completely prohibited on the territory of the state. To accelerate the liquidation of such enterprises, the program is implemented in six consecutive stages, while farms that wind down their activities ahead of schedule are guaranteed increased financial compensation.

Russian arrested for creating South Korea’s largest fraudulent network

Also read: The authorities of one country decided to withdraw some diplomats from Ukraine

Your reliable news feed - "MK" in MAX