As opposition to the dog meat trade within South Korea continues to grow, there’s more hope this industry may soon become a relic of the past with a suggestion from President Moon Jae-in that it’s time for the government to consider banning it.

The announcement comes after years of public outcry and growing opposition to the dog meat trade within the country, which is the only one that still allows intensive farming of dogs for their meat. Sadly, thousands of these farms continue to operate, where countless dogs suffer in inhumane conditions before they’re brutally slaughtered.

However, most Koreans don’t eat dog meat and more and more people are welcoming them as companions in their homes. According to a recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, between 2019 and 2020 the number of households with animal companions increased by 470,000, and the majority of them have dogs.

President Moon, who adopted a dog rescued from the meat trade himself, first pledged to address this issue in 2018, but has not done so. Now, there’s renewed hope that action will finally be taken. Following a recent meeting with the prime minister discussing measures to protect abandoned animals, he asked whether it might be time to “prudently consider prohibiting dog meat consumption.”

Although it’s not clear whether or how soon this may happen, or if it will become a strong platform for presidential candidates, considering President Moon leaves office in May, the statement is a welcome one for all who have been campaigning against this cruel trade and a sign that the government is hearing those who have kept the pressure on.

You can help keep the momentum up and support South Korean citizens working to end this trade by signing and sharing our alert calling for a ban.

You can also help support our efforts to save dogs with our partner Jindo Love Rescue by adopting, spreading the word about the need for flight volunteers to escort rescued dogs to their new homes in North America, and by making a donation.