Korea dog meat ban: Seoul sets pre-2027 compensation plan for farmers [Video]

SEOUL, South Korea –

South Korea announced plans Thursday to compensate famers and others in the country’s dwindling dog meat industry before a formal ban goes into effect in 2027, a move that is drawing opposition from both farmers and some animal rights activists

South Korea’s parliament passed a landmark bill in January that will ban slaughtering, breeding or selling dog meat for human consumption after a three-year grace period. It will be punishable by two to three years in prison.

The Agriculture Ministry said that farmers would receive compensation starting from 225,000 won (US$170), and rising up to 600,000 won (US$450) per dog if they agree to shut down their businesses early.

An association of farmers rejected the offer, saying in a statement that they cannot relinquish their dogs for such low prices. Farmers earlier called for two million won (US$1,505) per dog. They’ve said the ban infringes on their right to choose …