South Korea to ban dog meat by 2027, offering $450 per animal surrendered

Big changes are coming to South Korea as the country prepares to put an end to the centuries-old practice of serving and eating dog meat. The government is announcing new measure to rehome hundreds of thousands of dogs, and support farmers ahead of the ban taking effect.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, South Korea's Agriculture Ministry shared details on plans to relocate nearly half a million dogs, including financial incentives of around $450 per dog surrendered . The government plans to spend about $75 million to assist businesses in shutting down and transitioning out of the dog meat trade before the ban is fully enforced in 2027.

However, many involved have expressed frustration, saying the compensation programs fall short of their expectations.

Supporters of the ban have called this a significant milestone for animal welfare in South Korea, but there are concerns that tying compensation to the number of dogs might inadvertently encourage more breeding in the short term.

Park Beom-su, vice agriculture minister, addressed concerns that the dogs might be euthanized or processed for consumption before the ban takes effect, but he emphasized that is not part of the plan.

In January, Parliament passed a bill officially banning the consumption and sale of dog meat, reflecting growing support for animal rights and a declining interest in the dog meat trade generally. Violations include penalties of up to three years in prison.

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