Don’t Leave Dogs Homeless After a Triumphant Ban on Dog Meat

Target: Kim Hyun-soo, Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, South Korea

Goal: Ensure adequate care, rehoming, and protection for the dogs affected by the upcoming ban on dog meat consumption and sale.

The South Korean government recently announced plans to rehome nearly 500,000 dogs ahead of a ban on dog meat consumption set to take effect in 2027. Under the new policy, the government will provide subsidies to dog breeders, farmers, and dog meat restaurants, offering up to 600,000 won ($452) for each dog surrendered. While this marks a significant step toward animal welfare, concerns about the well-being of the dogs and the support provided to the industry workers remain.

South Korea’s parliament passed a bill banning the sale and consumption of dog meat in response to increasing criticism of the practice. However, animal activists are growing apprehensive that shelters may not be able to accommodate the large number of dogs being surrendered. Fears also persist that some of these dogs may be euthanized or processed for consumption before the ban takes effect.

Additionally, the dog meat industry, with over 1,500 breeding farms and more than 200 slaughterhouses, is concerned about inadequate government support. Industry representatives argue that the financial aid provided is insufficient, threatening the livelihood of many who depend on the trade. The challenge now is to ensure that all stakeholders are fairly compensated while protecting the animals. Take action now.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Minister Kim Hyun-soo,

I am writing to express my support for South Korea’s historic move to ban dog meat consumption and sale by 2027. The decision to rehome hundreds of thousands of dogs is a significant step forward in improving animal welfare, and it reflects the growing recognition of dogs as companions rather than food. However, I have concerns about the implementation of this plan and the welfare of the affected animals.

With nearly half a million dogs expected to be surrendered as part of this transition, I urge you to ensure that adequate resources and support are provided to animal shelters. Failing to do so could result in overcrowded shelters, neglect, or euthanasia, undermining the very purpose of this initiative. I also encourage you to promote pet adoption programs to help integrate these dogs into loving homes.

Furthermore, while the subsidies offered to dog breeders and meat industry workers are a step in the right direction, the government must provide fair compensation and resources for them to transition to new livelihoods. By offering sufficient financial support and retraining opportunities, the government can ensure that this policy benefits both animals and the people involved in the industry.

Please take all necessary measures to protect the welfare of these animals and support the livelihoods of workers in the dog meat industry. This is a pivotal moment in South Korea’s history, and I believe that with careful planning, the country can lead the way in animal welfare.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Animal People Forum