The Chinese language edition of the French international broadcasting station Radio France Internationale (RFI) reported on the 28th that AFP published an article stating, "Although the dog meat ban law will be enforced in South Korea in February 2027, the whereabouts of many dogs bred for consumption remain unknown."

According to the article, in January 2024, a law prohibiting the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dogs for consumption was enacted in South Korea. This law will take effect in February 2027.

As of 2024, approximately 400,000 to 450,000 dogs were being raised for consumption in South Korea. However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs currently estimates that there are only about 20,000 dogs in breeding farms. As of May this year, 1,265 dog meat farms, accounting for approximately 82% of the total, had applied for closure. The South Korean government is encouraging a reduction in breeding by providing subsidies of up to 600,000 won (approximately 60,000 yen) per dog to support farmers in transitioning their businesses, but the relevant authorities are not tracking the whereabouts of these dogs.

According to documents obtained by a certain parliamentarian, as of February this year, only 623 dogs bred for consumption had found foster homes. Fewer than 500 dogs were accepted by shelters, and animal welfare organizations and former breeders believe that many of the others were likely processed for meat.

The article reported that Kim Yong-hwan, representative of the animal welfare organization "CARE," expressed "indignation at such a possibility" and appealed that "the resources of animal welfare organizations in South Korea are scarce, making it difficult to save more dogs."

It also introduced that a former breeder, a male, expressed the view that "the dogs whose whereabouts are unknown were probably used for food," and stated, "This policy was strongly pushed for political reasons, and meaningful dialogue was lacking. Sufficient measures were not taken to protect our livelihoods." This man also pointed out that "many former breeders are trying to raise other livestock, but the lengthy government review procedures are making this difficult."

The article further reported that attorney Park Joo-young, who serves as the head of the animal welfare organization "PNR," stated, "For advocates, this legislation not only ends the act of dog meat consumption but also has the significance of closing a 'long-standing legal loophole' regarding the breeding of dogs for consumption."

It also stated that dogs have never been classified as livestock under South Korean law, which means the dog meat industry had been free from legal restrictions concerning humane breeding and slaughter for decades. (Translation and editing/Noya)