South Korea’s impending nationwide ban on the dog meat industry approaches its full enforcement date, prompting rescue organizations to clear the final large-scale breeding facilities. Humane World for Animals completed its final large-scale rescue operation on September 29, removing more than 70 dogs from a farm in Gangjin, South Korea, as reported by World Animal News and humaneworld.org.
Authorities Rescue over 70 Dogs from Gangjin Farm
The operation targeted a facility in Gangjin that once bred and slaughtered up to 1,000 dogs annually. According to reports from World Animal News, a member of the public contacted a local animal protection group earlier this year, prompting advocates to alert local authorities. Inspectors cited the farm for violations of the Animal Protection Act regarding animal husbandry and management.
The farmer agreed to relinquish the remaining animals and signed a written commitment to exit the dog meat industry permanently. The rescue team removed more than 70 dogs—including Jindos, a German shepherd, a corgi mix, a husky mix, several spitz mixes, puppies, and other small and medium-sized dogs—and transported them to secure facilities at Incheon Airport, as detailed by World Animal News. On September 30, the first group departed South Korea for the United States and Canada, where they will enter rehabilitation centers before moving to partner organizations for adoption.
South Korea Dog Meat Ban Enforcement Timeline
The rescue operations coincide with the systematic dismantling of the country’s commercial dog meat infrastructure following legislative action. In January 2024, South Korea’s National Assembly unanimously passed legislation to outlaw the trade. Beginning February 7, 2027, farming, killing, butchering, or selling dogs or dog meat for human consumption becomes illegal nationwide, carrying penalties of up to two years in prison and fines reaching ₩30 million.
Data from South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs indicates that 1,265 registered dog meat farms—representing 82% of the total—had closed by May 2026, leaving 272 facilities remaining. Humane World for Animals noted that it has rescued almost 3,000 dogs from South Korean farms since 2015.
Animal Welfare Groups Shift Focus to Regulatory Oversight
With large-scale farm rescues concluded, animal welfare organizations are shifting their operational focus toward regulatory oversight. Humane World for Animals stated that its ongoing work involves monitoring the implementation of the ban in South Korea and targeting the dog and cat meat trade in other Asian countries through locally led initiatives.
Sangkyung Lee, Humane World for Animals Korea campaign manager, noted in coverage by World Animal News that sending the final group of dogs to North America marks the closing chapter of a ten-year mission as the country transitions toward new cultural standards regarding domestic animals.