South Korea plans to compensate farmers affected by a forthcoming dog meat ban, set to take effect in 2027. The landmark legislation, passed in January, prohibits slaughtering, breeding, or selling dogs for human consumption, punishable by up to three years in prison. The Agriculture Ministry announced compensation ranging from $170 to $450 per dog should they agree to abandon their business before that date. Farmers wanted much more: $1,505 per dog. They argue the ban impinges on their freedom and economic stability.
Even supporters have mixed reactions. Sangkyung Lee from Humane Society International called the policy "an important milestone" but expressed concerns that compensation based on dog numbers might unintentionally promote breeding. Dog meat consumption, a centuries-old practice in the region, has persisted despite declining public favor; South Korea remains the only nation with industrial-scale dog farms.
The government's approach includes facilitating adoptions and care facilities for approximately 466,000 dogs currently farmed for food, rather than euthanization. Authorities will also dismantle existing farms and provide loans to former dog farmers and butchers to transition to other agricultural ventures. Despite some opposition, surveys indicate that most South Koreans no longer consume dog meat and support the ban. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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