As South Korea’s government rolls out a nationwide ban on dog meat consumption, farmers across the nation—who traditionally raised dogs for slaughter—are confronted with pressing questions about their futures and the fate of nearly half a million dogs still in captivity. Reverend Joo Yeong-bong, who breeds dogs for slaughter, expressed frustration over his struggling business, noting that potential buyers remain hesitant, and many farmers are facing mounting debts and a bleak economic outlook. The legislation, which came into effect in 2024, provides farmers until February 2027 to sell their remaining animals and cease operations completely.

Despite support from animal rights advocates for the ban, many are now voicing concerns regarding its enforcement and the welfare of the dogs left behind. Lee Sangkyung, a campaign manager at Humane World for Animals Korea, highlighted the lack of a cohesive plan to relocate the dogs, many of which now face the potential of euthanasia rather than adoption—especially as existing rescue shelters are already at capacity.

With the stigma surrounding dogs from meat farms complicating rehoming efforts and many breeds classified as “dangerous,” the chances of finding new homes for these dogs are drastically diminished. Individuals like Chan-woo, a meat farmer with a daunting task of rehoming 600 dogs within the government’s timeframe, expressed skepticism about the initiatives being proposed by the government and animal rights groups. As they scramble to find solutions, many farmers grapple with the reality that their livelihoods are rapidly becoming obsolete, leaving them in financial turmoil and no clear way forward.

While some advocates have sought to relocate dogs to overseas adopters in countries with more welcoming attitudes toward rescue animals, the broader community remains conflicted. The former owner of one of the farms reflected on his deep emotional connection with the animals, contrasting the way he interacted with them to the compassionate treatment observed during rescue operations.

However, contentious discussions arise around the ethics of consuming dogs compared to other species, highlighting the need for deeper dialogue in South Korea’s evolving societal norms. As the climate surrounding dog meat consumption continues to shift, farmers are left in a limbo, uncertain about a future they have relied on for generations—many fearing it may descend into further hardship.

Concerns linger over the moral implications of not only the well-being of the animals but also the lives intertwined with dog farming. Acknowledging the urgent need for a sustainable solution, Joo fears the potential fallout for people as well as dogs, believing “something terrible will happen” if no resolution is achieved. As South Korea navigates this pivotal moment, the fate of both farmers and dogs remains precarious, highlighting the complex dynamics between cultural practices, economic stability, and ethical treatment of animals.