South Korea is deepening its commitment to animal welfare, with a growing number of companies and organizations joining the effort. While the nation has had an Animal Protection Act in place since 1991, recent years have seen increased public support and legislative updates, culminating in a landmark ban on the dog meat industry announced in 2024, set to take full effect in .
The ban, pushed for by groups like Humane World for Animals (HWA) over more than a decade, represents a significant shift in cultural attitudes. Prior to the legislation, an estimated 1 million dogs were raised, farmed, and killed for human consumption annually in South Korea. HWA reports having assisted in the closure of 18 dog farms and the rescue of over 2,700 dogs before the ban’s passage, finding them homes internationally in countries including the UK, Canada, the US, and the Netherlands, as well as within South Korea itself.
However, the focus isn’t solely on ending the dog meat trade. HWA is now concentrating on ensuring the ban’s effective implementation during the phase-out period and advocating for the humane management of dogs still within the industry. Simultaneously, the organization is championing the adoption of advanced scientific methods to replace animal testing.
South Korea has already achieved success in this area, with HWA leading a campaign that resulted in a ban on animal testing for cosmetics. They’ve successfully advocated for animal protective reforms within national laws governing the testing of chemicals and biocidal products. Negotiations have also led to changes in vaccine testing protocols, sparing thousands of animals from what HWA describes as “severe suffering and death in needless tests.”
Currently, HWA is supporting a proposed law that would mandate collaboration between all government ministries to develop and implement a roadmap for animal-free science. This initiative has garnered support from nearly 350 Korean scientists, who have signed an open letter to the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee urging the government to prioritize animal-free testing and research.
Beyond the work of HWA, other Korean companies are demonstrating a growing commitment to animal welfare. Hy, a Korean conglomerate, announced on , that It’s collaborating with animal protection organizations, including Animal Freedom Coalition and CARE, to improve animal welfare conditions. Hy has provided annual donations, around 50 million KRW per year, to support the operation of companion animal welfare centers since .
hy’s efforts include the protection and rescue of abandoned animals and the promotion of animal protection campaigns. This initiative aligns with a broader trend of corporate social responsibility, where companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of ethical treatment of animals.
The shift in South Korea’s animal welfare policies reflects a broader global movement, as highlighted in a study published by MDPI. The study suggests that animal welfare policies are influenced by the type of welfare state and evolving social norms and awareness. It argues that Korea, as it continues to enhance its animal welfare policies, needs a fundamental change in its approach to both human and animal welfare.
The increased focus on animal welfare in South Korea isn’t simply a matter of legislative change; it’s a cultural shift. The growing public support for animal protection, coupled with the proactive efforts of organizations like HWA and companies like hy, signals a significant step towards a more compassionate and ethical society. The country’s progress serves as a potential model for other nations grappling with similar issues, demonstrating that meaningful change is possible through sustained advocacy, legislative action, and corporate responsibility.
The momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing. With ongoing efforts to refine the dog meat ban, promote animal-free science, and increase corporate involvement, South Korea is positioning itself as a leader in animal welfare within Asia and beyond. The collaborative approach, involving government, NGOs, scientists, and the private sector, suggests a long-term commitment to creating a more humane future for animals.
