South Korea has made a historic decision — it banned the sale of dog meat, but now faces a huge problem: what will happen to the hundreds of thousands of dogs rescued from farms? The law, passed early last year, gave farmers until February 2024 to close their farms and sell off the animals. But the reality is brutal — traders refuse to buy dogs, and shelters are overcrowded. Many rescued dogs are now on the brink of euthanasia because there are not enough homes for them. Farm owners, like 60-year-old Joo, say they are in debt, cannot close their farms, and the government has no clear plan to solve this crisis. Animal rights activists and experts warn that the ban was implemented without proper preparation, and now many dogs have nowhere to go. The government has promised to invest about $4.3 million annually to expand shelters and support private facilities, but it is not enough. Some dogs have been sent abroad, such as to Canada, where willing adopters await. Still, the dog meat industry has been a source of income for many families for decades, and now they are left stranded. As society changes and eating dog meat becomes taboo, the question remains: will South Korea manage to find a humane and sustainable solution for these animals? Or will many of them end up euthanized? This situation is a perfect storm of problems, and everyone is looking into the void. If you have thoughts on this, drop a comment — maybe your word can spark change!
