What is the fate of the majority of dogs from banned farms?

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The Fate of Dogs from Banned Farms Remains Largely Unaccounted For, With Many Believed to Have Been Eaten

The majority of dogs from South Korean farms are unaccounted for following the country's landmark ban on the dog meat trade, with animal welfare groups and former farmers suspecting that a significant number have been consumed. While official figures indicate a drastic reduction in dogs on farms, the number of animals adopted or sent to shelters is very low. This situation has led to the grim conclusion that many of the remaining canines likely met their end through consumption.
Drastic Reduction in Farmed Dogs

Government figures reveal a significant decline in the number of dogs being raised for meat. In 2024, it was estimated that between 400,000 and 450,000 dogs were on farms. However, current estimates from the agriculture ministry suggest that only approximately 20,000 dogs remain on farms as the ban approaches its implementation next February. This represents a reduction of over 95% of the previously estimated population.
Limited Adoption and Shelter Placements

Data obtained by a lawmaker shows that as of February, only 623 dogs had been adopted, and just under 500 were sent to shelters. These figures are a small fraction of the total number of dogs that were being raised. Animal rights organisations have stated they have not seen widespread adoption campaigns for dogs from these farms, further indicating that a large number of animals were not rehomed through official channels.
Beliefs of Consumption and Euthanasia

Animal welfare groups and former dog farmers widely believe that the majority of the unaccounted-for dogs were likely killed and consumed. A former dog farmer acknowledged that these canines had "already been eaten." This belief is supported by the low numbers of dogs entering adoption programmes and shelters, leaving consumption as the most probable outcome for the vast majority of these animals.
Industry Disappearance and Transition Challenges

The approaching ban has led to the rapid disappearance of the dog meat industry. As of May, 1,265 dog farms, representing about 82 percent of the total, had applied to shut down. While many former farmers are attempting to transition to other livestock businesses, challenges with government licensing have reportedly made this process difficult. The lack of tracking for the animals removed from farms complicates efforts to ascertain their exact fate.

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What is the fate of the majority of dogs from banned farms?

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