Launch of 'Dog Meat Consumption Termination Task Force'... Preparation of Reality Survey and Business Closure Support Plan

Establishment of a Dedicated Implementation Team Before the Special Act Enforcement
Operation of an 'Expert Advisory Group' Including Appraisers and Animal Protection Organizations

The government has launched a dedicated organization to promote the 'End of Dog Meat Consumption.' Initially, it will conduct a survey on the breeding, distribution, and sale of dogs for consumption purposes and plan to prepare support measures for business closure and career transition based on the findings.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 22nd the launch of the 'Dog Meat Consumption End Promotion Team' to implement government support measures and subordinate legislation.

An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained, "Since the Special Act on Ending Dog Meat Consumption holds special significance as a milestone in animal welfare history, we formed the Dog Meat Consumption End Promotion Team before the law's enforcement to ensure smooth progress."

Song Miryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (center), is taking a commemorative photo at the launch ceremony of the 'Dog Meat Consumption End Promotion Team' held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 22nd.

The Promotion Team, led by the Animal Welfare and Environment Policy Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, newly established the 'Dog Meat Consumption End Promotion Team,' composed of the ministry, affiliated organizations, local governments, and experts, and also included the Animal Welfare Policy Division, which had previously worked on preparing the roadmap and enacting the special law to end dog meat consumption.

To facilitate smooth field execution, a local government consultative body will be operated to establish a collaborative system between central and local governments, and an expert advisory group consisting of lawyers, appraisers, and animal protection organizations will also be operated.

Based on the survey of dog breeding, distribution, and sales for consumption purposes, the Promotion Team plans to prepare support measures for business closure and career transition, establish a basic plan, and create subordinate legislation to lay the foundation for implementing the special law. Furthermore, it aims to build a continuous promotion system to ensure smooth project execution and monitor the progress of the end of dog meat consumption.

At the launch ceremony, Song Mi-ryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said, "To smoothly transition to a country that ends dog meat consumption, we established a dedicated implementation organization ahead of the special law's enforcement. We will continue to communicate with the dog meat industry and animal protection groups to prepare reasonable alternatives and ensure the end of dog meat consumption without any setbacks."

Meanwhile, once the 'Special Act on Ending Dog Meat Consumption' is promulgated, it will immediately prohibit the operation of new or additional dog breeding farms and slaughter, distribution, and sales facilities for consumption purposes. Breeding farms, etc., must report their operational status to local governments within three months of the promulgation and submit an end-of-consumption implementation plan within six months. From 2027, three years after the promulgation, breeding, slaughtering, distribution, and sale of dogs for consumption purposes will be prohibited.