Once criticised, South Korea now helps end dog slaughter abroad

SEOUL – Two dog slaughter and meat-selling businesses in Indonesia have been shut down, marking the first overseas application of a program pioneered by South Korea to transition away from the dog meat industry, activists said.

Dog Meat Industry Transition in Indonesia

The South Korean branch of Humane World for Animals supported the closure of a dog meat restaurant and slaughterhouse, rescuing 10 dogs that were awaiting slaughter. The operation took place in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara province, in partnership with Jakarta Animal Aid Network, a local animal welfare organization.

The shuttered slaughterhouse had been operating for more than 15 years, while the restaurant had been selling dog meat for 45 years, according to the groups involved.

The initiative utilizes South Korea’s “Models for Change” program, which shuts down dog meat farms and assists business owners in finding alternative livelihoods. Since 2015, the program has facilitated the closure of 18 dog farms in South Korea and the rescue of over 2,700 dogs.

Lee Sang-kyung, a campaign manager at Humane World for Animals, stated that expanding the program internationally reflects the organization’s commitment to accelerating global efforts to end the dog meat trade.

While Indonesia’s dog meat trade differs from that of Korea – with many dogs illegally captured from homes or streets and transported under harsh conditions – activists emphasize the shared suffering experienced by the animals.

The trade also presents a public health risk. “The dog meat industry is closely tied to the spread of rabies, putting even those who do not consume dog meat at risk,” Lee added.

East Nusa Tenggara is a region in Indonesia with high dog meat consumption. The ongoing trafficking of stolen dogs has raised public health concerns, particularly as the province reported 78 human rabies cases in 2025 – the highest number in the nation.

The former owners of the slaughterhouse and restaurant will transition to new businesses, including operating a convenience store and selling construction materials, with support from the program.

The 10 rescued dogs are currently receiving medical care and quarantine at a veterinary clinic before being transferred to a shelter run by Jakarta Animal Aid Network in Bogor, West Java. They will be treated, rehabilitated, and eventually placed in adoptive homes.