South Korea has passed a new law to end the slaughter and selling of dogs for meat by 2027.
The legislation bans the raising, slaughtering, distributing, and selling of dogs for consumption, with penalties including imprisonment for those found guilty.
The consumption of dog meat itself will not be illegal.
The law will take effect in three years, providing time for farmers and restaurant owners to transition to alternative sources of income.
The move reflects changing attitudes, especially among younger generations, where eating dog meat has fallen out of favor.
South Korea had around 1,600 dog meat restaurants and 1,150 dog farms in 2023, according to government statistics.
Animal rights groups welcomed the ban, while some older individuals expressed disappointment, arguing for the preservation of tradition.
The government has promised to fully support dog meat farmers, butchers and restaurant owners, whose businesses will be forced to close, though the details of what compensation will be offered have yet to be worked through.
