Skip to main content

Our Impact

South Korea’s Animal Protection Act has been in place since 1991.

In the past decade or so, public support for animal protection has increased, and the South Korean government has updated its animal protection legislation accordingly.

What we are working on

A huge win came in 2024, when the National Assembly announced a ban on the dog meat industry beginning in 2027. Now, Humane World for Animals is continuing work on the issue. To ensure the dog meat ban is effective, we’re increasing public support for the ban during the phase-out period. And we’re focused on humane management of the remaining dogs still in the industry.

There’s more work to be done—including promoting state-of-the-art science to replace animal testing in the country.

 

Rescuing a dog from a dog meat farm in South Korea

Jean Chung/For Humane World for Animals

Dogs in South Korea have hope for a brighter future.

Ending the dog meat trade

In the past, as many as 1 million dogs were raised, farmed and killed for human consumption each year in South Korea. Along with our partners, Humane World for Animals pushed for a ban for over a decade. Before the ban was passed, we helped close 18 farms and rescued more than 2,700 dogs, who found loving homes across the world, including in South Korea, the UK, Canada, the U.S. and the Netherlands.

Mouse in a lab

Brandon Laufenberg/iStock

Mice, rabbits and other animals suffer in labs worldwide.

Ending animal testing

We led a successful campaign to ban animal testing of cosmetics in South Korea, and we championed the addition of animal protective reforms to national laws governing the testing of chemicals and biocidal products. We’ve also negotiated changes to rules for vaccine testing that have spared thousands of animals from severe suffering and death in needless tests. Now, we’re supporting a groundbreaking new law that would require all government ministries to collaborate to develop and implement a roadmap for animal-free science.

Latest News

Staff interacts with pigs and chickens at er farm animal sanctuary, Yesahcan Sanctuary

Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals

Karla Dumas, Vice President of Farm Animal Protection, interacts with pigs and chickens at her farm animal sanctuary, Yesahcan Sanctuary, in the Humane World for Animals branding.

Your gift can do so much for animals in need.

Start saving lives by making a one-time gift today. You can also help animals all year long with a monthly contribution.

Meredith Lee/The HSUS