South Korea’s dog meat ban will go into effect in February 2027, but restaurants are still serving dog meat, and we’re working hard to raise awareness and save as many lives as possible before then, as farms continue to close.  

The Special Act bans breeding, butchering, distributing, and selling dogs for meat, and once it goes into effect, violators will face a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won ($21,753 USD).

When the law was passed last, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs estimated there were 5,898 dog meat businesses, including 1,537 farms, 221 slaughterhouses, 1,788 dog meat traders, and 2,352 restaurants involved.

As of this month, it’s estimated that 70%, or 1,072 out of the 1,537 dog farms nationwide, have closed. According to the government, farms that are voluntarily closing are doing so through various means, including domestic and international adoption, rehoming dogs as companions or guard dogs, or transferring them to local governments. 

While it’s amazing to watch this industry shutter, albeit slowly, there’s still much to be done; it’s believed that half a million dogs or more were involved in the trade and are still in desperate need of help. 

Sadly, many are also still being killed for meat. Restaurants serving dog meat are still doing so blatantly, despite growing awareness and opposition. Polls continue to show the vast majority of South Koreans don’t eat dog meat, but the people who support it aren’t going down quietly.

Our rescue partner Jindo Love Rescue is watching the situation, capturing tragic images of what’s being served and menus displaying dog meat in Gyeonggi-do. This one in particular offers dog meat in a few different ways, including in soup. 

It’s beyond heartbreaking to consider, especially when we think about each of the dogs we’ve saved together and how each one who’s found their forever home has changed their adopters’ lives.

Right now, we have many dogs waiting, including some very special ones who have been waiting a very long time for homes of their own, and we hope to find them experienced adopters soon to create room for more.

How to Adopt

If you’re interested in adopting one of these sweet moms, you can learn more about adopting and send Jindo Love Rescue a message on Facebook to start the application process.

Even if you can’t adopt, you can still help by spreading their stories and supporting our ongoing rescue efforts in South Korea by making a donation and spreading the word about our ongoing need for flight volunteers to courier dogs to new homes.