70 Dogs Rescued in South Korea’s Final Mass Meat Farm Closure
- More than 70 dogs pulled from a single meat farm in Gangjin represent the final large-scale rescue operation in South Korea by Humane World for Animals, which announced...
- The rescue occurred as South Korea's dog meat industry contracts under a national ban.
- Government inspectors are set to investigate the remaining facilities during the final two months of the year to ensure compliance before a full prohibition takes effect.
More than 70 dogs pulled from a single meat farm in Gangjin represent the final large-scale rescue operation in South Korea by Humane World for Animals, which announced the completion of its mission as the country phases out the trade. The farm once raised and killed up to 1,000 dogs each year before the rescue teams arrived at the property, where rusting wire cages and abandoned collars marked the site.
Shrinking Farms Across South Korea
The rescue occurred as South Korea’s dog meat industry contracts under a national ban. More than 1,200 dog farms, representing over 80 percent of the country’s total, have already closed since the ban started being enforced in 2024. Figures show that when Seoul approved a ban on eating dogs, 468,000 canines were held in 1,537 dog meat farms. Lee Yong-jik, director general of the ministry’s Animal Welfare Policy Bureau, stated that the transition marks a crucial turning point for animal welfare standards in the country.
Remaining Farms Facing Inspection
Government inspectors are set to investigate the remaining facilities during the final two months of the year to ensure compliance before a full prohibition takes effect. There are 198 meat farms holding approximately 7,600 dogs still in operation across South Korea. Authorities have warned that any farms caught secretly increasing their dog populations or failing to stop breeding will face immediate shutdown. Once the ban is enforced on Feb. 7, 2027, anyone caught farming, slaughtering, or selling dog meat for human consumption will face up to two years in prison and fines exceeding $20,000.
Relocation of Rescued Canines
The dogs saved from the Gangjin farm are being transported to the United States and Canada to find adoptive families. Sangkyung Lee, the group’s Korea campaign manager for Humane World for Animals, said the relocation marks a fitting conclusion to a 10-year mission as the nation builds a new relationship with animals. Meanwhile, other animal welfare organizations continue working to place survivors from earlier closures. Dogs rescued from previous operations, such as a 2023 raid on the Miryang dog meat farm, remain in care while awaiting permanent homes through partnerships with groups like Jindo Love Rescue.