Category: Press Release

Consumers could unwittingly break new law banning glue traps, says Humane Society International/UK

Humane Society International / United Kingdom

videomane1/Pixabay

LONDON—England today becomes the third UK nation, after Wales and Scotland, to bring into force a ban on the use of rodent glue traps, which are described by leading animal protection organisation Humane Society International/UK as “inhumane, indiscriminate and indefensible”.

Entering into force today, the Glue Traps (Offences) Act prohibits use of glue traps by the public. The ban has been welcomed by HSI/UK, which led the Unstuck campaign to end the public’s use of glue traps. However, as glue traps remain on sale to the public throughout the UK despite their use by the public now being illegal, the charity is urging caution against accidental law breaking.

The rudimentary traps, widely available for as little as 99p from hardware and corner shops, immobilise small mammals in strong adhesive in which the animals can suffocate, rip off skin and fur and break their limbs in desperate efforts to escape. The traps also pose a serious risk to other species, including hedgehogs, cats and wild birds, with numerous reports every year of animals being caught and suffering often fatal injuries.

Claire Bass, senior campaigns and public affairs director for Humane Society International/UK, said: “We are delighted that it is no longer legal for members of the public to use these horrendously cruel traps which cause immense suffering to animals, who have been known to chew off their own limbs in a desperate attempt to escape. But confusingly, although it is now an offence for the public to use glue traps, it is not illegal to sell or buy them which means consumers could unwittingly commit an offence. We will be raising awareness of the new law so that people don’t unintentionally break it, and we’re also calling on retailers to voluntarily stop stocking these traps. We are urging the UK, Welsh and Scottish governments to unite on a glue traps sales ban.”

HSI/UK’s research on the welfare problems of glue traps is referenced in glue trap ban legislation passed in all three nations. It shows that when confronted with a dying animal on a trap more than 50% of the public say they either would not know what to do with them or would take an action that risks committing an offence under the Animal Welfare Act (2006) for causing unnecessary suffering, including 9% who said they would drown the animal.

As well as being inhumane, killing animals like mice and rats typically does not offer a permanent solution to the problems their presence might cause. Treating the symptom by eliminating a single rat or mouse—or even an entire colony—is ultimately futile unless the conditions that encouraged them to take up residence in the first place are addressed. Over time, others will simply move into the vacated territory. HSI/UK advocates humane methods of deterrence such as removing food sources and blocking up access holes which are ultimately more effective than the “quick fix” of killing. Read more here.

The ban explained:

  • The Glue Trap (Offences) Act 2022 requires rodent control professionals in England to apply for and hold licenses for glue trap use only in exceptional circumstances and where all alternative methods are impossible or have failed.
  • Anyone applying for a licence needs to complete required training and meet specific requirements, including the need to carry out regular inspections of the trap and prevent the capture of non-target animals.
  • Anyone caught setting a glue trap to catch a rodent, or in a way that risks catching a rodent (without a licence), or who permits a trap to be set to catch a rodent, could face up to 51 weeks in prison, or receive a fine, or both.
  • Anyone who finds a glue trap that risks catching a rodent and fails to act to stop the risk could be fined, unless they have a reasonable excuse for why they failed to act.
  • The Welsh Government introduced a full ban on use of rodent glue traps in 2023.
  • Earlier this year the Scottish Government passed a ban—with an allowance for Ministers to approve glue trap use in exceptional circumstances where all other methods have failed—and asked to be allowed an exemption to the Internal Markets Act to allow Scotland to unilaterally ban the sale of glue traps, but the UK Government has so far denied this.

ENDS

Media contact: Sally Ivens, HSI/UK, sivens@hsi.org ; 07590 559299

Humane Society International / Mexico

HSI

MEXICO CITY, Mexico—Humane Society International/Mexico provided a specialized training session on July 24 for BVA (Brigada de Vigilancia Animal), a police unit dedicated to animal welfare, and PAOT (Procuraduría Ambiental y del Ordenamiento Territorial), a government agency focused on enforcing residents’ rights to a healthy environment. This training focused on cat behavior and welfare, aiming to enhance the care and management of sheltered cats within the BVA.

During the training, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of basic care requirements for cats in the care of the BVA, including preventive medicine protocols and necessary measures for proper handling and facility management. The course covered how to maintain a good quality of life for the cats, understanding their communication methods, and recognizing normal behavior patterns.

Dr. Claudia Edwards, a veterinarian and HSI/Mexico director of programs, emphasized the importance of this training: “It is crucial for authorities to be knowledgeable about cat behavior and welfare. Most of the knowledge and courses are focused on dogs, and cats are left aside, that is why on this occasion we wanted to focus on this species that has very special needs and behaviors, so they can provide the best possible environment for them.”

This initiative was part of the collaboration agreement that HSI and the Secretary of Citizen Security signed and underscored Humane Society International/Mexico’s commitment to promoting animal welfare and ensuring that all cats received the care and respect they deserve.

The Animal Surveillance Brigade’s functions include preventing animal abuse, rescuing animals in situations of cruelty, and caring for them until adoption. Through permanent work, the brigade attends to reports of animal abuse in the 16 municipalities of Mexico City; on many occasions the Brigade works hand in hand with the Environmental Prosecutor and with the Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Environmental Crimes, or FIDAMPU, in cases of extreme cruelty.

Download Photos 

ENDS

Media contact: Carson Baer, media specialist; cbaer@humanesociety.org

Humane Society International / Mexico

HSI/Mexico

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico—Humane Society International/Mexico, in collaboration with state and municipal partners, is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking pilot program to improve the welfare of companion animals in rural and low-income households in Aguascalientes. This initiative is based on critical needs that were identified in a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind dog population survey in Mexico.

The survey revealed that only 32% of the city’s roughly 310,000 dogs and 40% of its 77,000 cats have been sterilized, raising the chances of unwanted puppies and kittens being abandoned on the streets. Notably, dogs from low-income and rural areas were more likely to be surrendered to local animal control facilities, leading to a euthanasia rate exceeding 90% in 2022.

HSI/Mexico’s program addresses these issues through three main components: a mobile clinic for preventive services, training veterinarians for free sterilization campaigns and an educational initiative to train teachers on responsible companion animal care.

Mobile Vet Clinic

HSI/Mexico has deployed a mobile clinic offering free preventive medicine, including vaccinations, deworming and general veterinary check-ups. The clinic has already served over 200 animals in its early stages. During their companion animals’ treatment visits, families can participate in humane education discussions and children receive coloring books on proper companion animal care. The goal is to keep companion animals healthy and reduce abandonment due to untreated illnesses. Bárbara Morales, program manager of companion animals and engagement for Humane Society International said: “Helping families stay together with their animals and enjoy a healthier and happier life is something that fills your heart with a deep satisfaction. This program allows us to do so, and I am very grateful for that.”

Sterilization Campaigns

Recognizing the urgent need for increased sterilization efforts, HSI/Mexico will collaborate with government institutions to enhance existing spay and neuter campaigns. The program will provide specialized training for veterinarians in high-volume sterilization, pain management and best surgical practices. This initiative aims to decrease the number of free-roaming animals and increase the capacity to care for companion animals across the state.

Humane Education Campaign

The survey also highlighted a widespread lack of knowledge about animal welfare and responsible companion animal care. Hence, HSI/Mexico launched an educational campaign comprising of the following elements:

  • Teaching the Teachers: HSI trains elementary school teachers on animal behavior and welfare, providing them with the “Nose to Tail” curriculum developed in the U.S. This curriculum helps children learn about the responsibilities of companion animal ownership and proper animal care.
  • Direct Advising: At each mobile clinic, HSI offers group or individual consultations with companion animal owners, educating them on the five domains of animal welfare to ensure that their companion animals enjoy fulfilling lives.
  • Media Campaign: HSI will initiate a media campaign to promote responsible companion animals’ ownership. It will include traditional media appearances, social media posts and printed materials like banners and stickers, aiming to embed responsible companion animals’ care into the public consciousness.

HSI/Mexico works hand in hand with key stakeholders, including government agencies such as IEA (Instituto de Educación de Aguascalientes―Aguascalientes’ education institute), PROESPA (Procuraduría Estatal de Protección al Ambiente―Aguascalientes’ environmental agency) and Municipal officials, among others.

By addressing specific needs identified in the survey, HSI/Mexico seeks to create a model that can be replicated in other regions of the country. This initiative underscores HSI/Mexico’s dedication to enhancing the lives of companion animals and supporting the communities that care for them, helping families to stay together.

ENDS

Media contact: Magaly Garibay: (+52 55) 5211 8731; mgaribay@idee.agencia

Humane Society International / Mexico

Hurricane Otis in Mexico
HSI

MEXICO CITY, Mexico—Today, leading animal protection organization Humane Society International launched a nationwide petition urging newly elected legislators to protect animals in Mexico’s supreme law, the Constitution. The earlier constitutional initiative by President Andres Manuel López Obrador, set to include specific provisions in art. 3, 4 and 73 of the Constitution to ban animal abuse, grant Congress powers to legislate on animal welfare and establish animal protection as a mandatory education guideline, was effectively paused by the 2024 election season. Now, Humane Society International is rallying the public to revive this crucial constitutional amendment against animal cruelty under the new government. 

Millions of dogs and cats roam the streets of major Mexican cities, suffering from cruelty, abandonment, disease and neglect. Mexico is home to billions of animals kept and killed for food, who are confined to cages or crates for months at a time, preventing them from extending their limbs or even walking, and forced to suffer in live transport and inhumane slaughter. As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Mexico is also a major source and distribution hub of wildlife for illicit trade; half of the wildlife trafficking seizures at US entry points originate from Mexico, which also supplies illegal markets in Europe and Asia. 

Anton Aguilar, HSI Mexico Executive Director, said: “Federal constitution-level safeguards would set a major legal precedent to prioritize animal protection in public policies, foster humane education and phase out cruel fiestas. It would reflect how social attitudes in Mexico have shifted away from cruelty and neglect towards a deep and genuine concern for animal welfare. We call on the incoming legislature, which will take office in September, to swiftly pass this consequential bill to turn Mexico into a leading example of animal protection legislation.”  

Animal protection in Mexico has emerged as a significant political focus. This commitment was solidified in 2017 when Mexico City’s constitution recognized animals as sentient beings. Most Mexican states have enacted animal protection laws, incorporating penalties for abuse into their penal codes. Bullfighting has been banned in five states, dogfighting has been criminalized nationwide, and animal testing for cosmetics was prohibited in 2021.  Moreover, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum’s emphasis on animal protection during the presidential debate and her party’s majority position signal a promising path for a constitutional amendment securing animal protection.  

Sign the petition urging the new legislature to grant constitutional protection to animals.  

ENDS

Media contact: Magaly Garibay, +52 5538762199, mgaribay@idee.agency

Humane Society International / Southeast Asia

HSI

HO CHI MINH CITY, Viet Nam—Humane Society International, a non-profit organization working around the globe to improve the welfare of animals, is proud to celebrate the long-term partnership between Pizza 4P’s and Tamago in their joint effort to eliminate battery cages and transition to cage-free facilities.

Recognizing the profound impact corporate reforms can have on the lives of millions of animals, HSI has made corporate social responsibility campaigns a fundamental priority. HSI played a key role in facilitating Pizza 4P’s transition to cage-free egg suppliers, leading to the successful partnership between Pizza 4P’s and Tamago.

In 2020, Pizza 4P’s, a restaurant chain headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City with locations across Viet Nam, Japan, India and Cambodia, became one of the first companies in Southeast Asia to commit to transitioning to sourcing eggs from cage-free hens. Cage-free production represents a strong welfare improvement over the industry’s antiquated intensive cage confinement systems in which hens are unable to spread their wings or take more than a few steps.

Tamago, a small-scale producer in northern Viet Nam, started a cage-free pilot project in 2023 to supply some of Pizza 4P’s locations in Hanoi. The pilot project demonstrated that hens were equally productive in the cage-free barn as they were in intensive cage confinement. As a result, Tamago decided to fully transition to a cage-free system.

Hoang Nguyen, director of Tamago, said: “Keeping cage-free birds is better for the animals and for the people who care for them. It also makes good business sense; after a one-year trial, the productivity of the cage-free hens is the same as those in cages. We are proud to offer a higher welfare alternative and thank Pizza 4P’s for helping us make this important switch. The long-term support from such companies is the key.”

Rising demand for eggs from cage-free hens at Pizza 4P’s northern locations has led Tamago to significantly expand its cage-free production. Initially supplying eggs to only a few stores, Tamago now supports all Pizza 4P’s locations in the northern regions.  “As we continue on our path of responsible and sustainable sourcing, of which cage-free eggs are integral, we aspire to build even stronger partnerships with like-minded suppliers,” said Thu Vuong, sustainability manager at Pizza 4P’s. “Together, we aim to fulfill our vision of ’Making the World Smile for Peace’ and to cultivate a world infused with compassion through our actions.’’

Hang Le, Southeast Asia regional manager of Farm Animal Welfare and Protection at Humane Society International, said: “We applaud the long-term partnership between Pizza 4P’s and Tamago. This is a strong example of how a company can implement cage-free policy by working with its current eggs suppliers to end the use of intensive caging of hens. Many companies across Southeast Asia have committed to be cage-free by next year, giving them a matter of months to transition. HSI can offer technical support for this type of transition, so we urge these companies to follow suit and contact us for support in switching to a cage-free future.”

Cage-free systems provide animals with more space, freedom to move, and facilities for expressing their natural behaviors. A growing number of food and hospitality companies including Accor, Marriott and Fusion have adopted policies to procure eggs from cage-free hens as part of their corporate social responsibility goals. Cage-free production is the system of the future.

ENDS

Media contact: Carson Baer, media specialist; cbaer@humanesociety.org

Humane Society International / Global

A dog in the street in Antakya, Türkiye
Jodi Hilton/HSUS

Update, 9 August: The amendments to Animal Protection Law No. 5199 have been signed by President Erdoğan and published in the Official Gazette, which were the last steps before they could enter into force. Humane Society International will continue to follow the news from Türkiye and is ready to offer its expertise in the field of dog population management and collaborate with decision-makers on finding a long-term working solution. At the same time, we are very concerned about the news of mass graves of dogs found recently in different parts of the country and strongly condemn all forms of cruelty against street animals.

Update, 30 July: Despite our and other animal welfare groups’ efforts to reach out to members of Parliament, the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye adopted the amendments to Animal Protection Law No. 5199, which open the door for mass killing of stray dogs and at the same time do not allow for animals who are neutered and vaccinated to be returned to their familiar territories. Before the law enters into force, it needs to be signed by President Erdoğan.

ANKARA, Türkiye—Humane Society International is deeply concerned about recent developments in Türkiye regarding the treatment of community dogs and cats living on the streets. The ruling coalition has announced plans to introduce a law to allow the killing of roaming cats and dogs who, after a short period in shelters, are not claimed by their family or adopted. This represents a significant and alarming shift from Türkiye’s previously progressive stance on street animal welfare.

Türkiye has long been considered a model for its humane and effective approach to managing street animal populations, historically prioritizing the well-being of animals through policies that emphasize spay, neuter and return to their communities. These progressive and compassionate efforts have not only helped control street dog and cat populations humanely but have also garnered international praise.

The proposed legislation threatens to undermine these achievements, causing unnecessary suffering and death to countless animals in a short-term fix that won’t deliver a long-term solution. In light of these developments, HSI has written to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressing our profound concerns and offering our expertise and assistance to both local and central authorities in Türkiye to implement effective and humane street dog and cat management programs that align with global best practices.

As an organization dedicated to animal welfare with a long track record of successful programmes to humanely manage street animal populations, we believe killing is not only cruel, but also ineffective. HSI strongly urges the Turkish government to reconsider this legislation and instead to invest in solutions that prevent the suffering of animals while sustainably and effectively addressing public health and safety concerns.

ENDS

Media contact:  Yavor Gechev, communications director for HSI/Europe, ygechev@hsi.org ; +359889468098 ; +393515266629

HSI/India welcomes the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission’s commitment to waive off the ‘Target Animal Batch Safety Test’

Humane Society International / India

unoL/iStock.com

INDIA—In a significant move, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has made a progressive amendment and waived off the Target Animal Batch Safety Test (TABST) in the Indian Pharmacopoeia, effective 1st July 2024.  

The TABST, a non-specific safety test for veterinary vaccines, typically involves the administration of vaccine overdose to animals to test that every batch of vaccine produced is safe for a specific species. However, multiple studies have proved that the method lacks specificity and is prone to producing false results. The IPC’s decision to waive the TABST will reduce the number of animals subjected to unnecessary testing and underscores the supportive atmosphere of the regulators and industry to steer away from obsolete animal-based testing.

By recognizing the shortfalls of the TABST and allowing the test to be waived, India is a step closer to aligning itself with international veterinary vaccine testing standards, joining Brazil, Europe, Canada, the US, Japan, and others.  

Alokparna Sengupta, managing director at Humane Society International/India said: “We are delighted at the recent waiver of the TABST. This reaffirms India’s commitment towards eliminating obsolete animal tests for batch release testing of vaccines. We have been working on this with both IPC and the industry since 2020 and we believe that such collaboration is pivotal in this decision. We look forward to facilitating further advancements in other areas of safety testing of vaccines as well.” 

This waiver follows a series of progressive decisions by the IPC. Back in 2018, the Rabbit Pyrogen Test was replaced with the Bacterial Endotoxin Test (BET), followed by the inclusion of the Monocyte Activation Test in 2018 and removal of the Abnormal Toxicity Test for almost all human vaccines in 2020 from Indian Pharmacopoeia monographs. 

Over the last five years, HSI/India’s Research & Toxicology department has been working with the Government of India, the veterinary industry and associated interest holders to promote the development and use of advanced non-animal methodologies. This positive step by the IPC will save countless animal lives whilst enhancing veterinary vaccine safety. 

ENDS

Media contact: Shaili Shah: 993059100: sshah@hsi.org

Humane Society International and Polish Members of Parliament advocate for legislation to halt trophy imports

Humane Society International / Poland

HSI

WARSAW, Poland—Humane Society International and members of the Polish Parliament are urging Poland to ban the import of hunting trophies from endangered species. This call comes alongside the inauguration of the “Still Life. #NotInMyWorld” photographic exhibition by Britta Jaschinski at the Polish Parliament organized by HSI in Poland and the Parliamentary Group for the Protection of Animal Rights. The exhibition aims to expose the harsh reality of trophy hunting. 

Britta Jaschinski’s photographs capture haunting images of animal bodies, skins, paws and heads. The once living creatures have been reduced to lifeless trophies. Her work draws a poignant parallel between the objectification of endangered animals and the traditional concept of “still life,” where inanimate objects, including hunting trophies, are depicted. This powerful visual narrative underscores the negative ethical and ecological implications of trophy hunting. 

Iga Głażewska, Poland country director for HSI/Europe, said: “Hunting trophies are often perceived as symbols of status, but they represent an outdated and colonial view of nature. This exhibition challenges that perception and highlights the severe impact of trophy hunting on both the animals themselves, and on biodiversity and the environment. We firmly believe that Poland should follow the lead of other European countries and adopt a ban on the import of trophies from imperiled species. In the face of the climate and biodiversity crises, it is imperative to eliminate practices that threaten the extinction of more species.” 

Following the opening of the exhibition, where Britta Jaschinski, Professor Rafał Kowalczyk from the Mammal Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and MP Katarzyna Piekarska spoke, a meeting of the Parliamentary Group for the Protection of Animal Rights took place. The meeting focused on trophy hunting and the need for stricter regulations in this area.  

Between 2013 and 2022, the European Union imported hunting trophies from over 27,000 animals threatened by trade and regulated under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Poland alone imported nearly 1,400 such trophies during this period, including those from species like the brown bear, African lion, black bear, cheetah, leopard and rhino. 

Through the #NotInMyWorld campaign, HSI is advocating for a global shift in policies related to trophy hunting. The campaign has already achieved success in several countries. In January 2024, Belgium banned the import of trophies from numerous endangered species. Finland enacted a similar ban in December 2022, and similar legislation is under consideration in France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain. 

The “Still Life. #NotInMyWorld” exhibition not only raises awareness about the cruelty of trophy hunting but also reinforces the call for legislative change in Poland. Banning trophy imports would align Poland with other nations taking steps to protect endangered species and support global conservation efforts.

ENDS

Media contact: Iga Glazewska, Poland country director for HSI/Europe: iglazewska@hsi.org 

Humane Society International / India

Jaihari AK/HSI 

ASSAM, India—Animal protection charity Humane Society International/India, in collaboration with Humanitarian Aid International, North-East Affected Area Development Society, Just Be Friendly and Anchalik Gram Unnayan Parishad, is providing critical emergency relief to the estimated almost 40 lakh (4 million) animals and people affected by the devastating floods in Assam. The floods have left countless humans and animals stranded, injured and in desperate need of food and medical or veterinary attention.

HSI/India has deployed its Disaster Preparedness, Response and Relief team on the ground to aid collaborative relief efforts, which include emergency animal feed distribution, medical and veterinary supplies, as well as food rations, water and protective gear for families affected. The organization is working closely with district disaster management authority and local organizations to ensure the most affected animals and people are getting the relief they need.

Reports indicate that more than 24 lakh (2.4 million) people have been displaced across 30 districts in Assam, while 15 lakh (1.5 million) animals remain at risk. With more rainfall expected in the coming days, the situation is likely to worsen. Owing to the state’s vulnerable geography and changing climate, Assam continues to grapple with recurring floods, posing a significant humanitarian and animal welfare challenge.

Praveen Suresh, manager of disaster preparedness response and relief at Humane Society International/India, said: “With more than 10 lakhs (1 million) of companion and farmed animals at risk in Assam, the threat to animals also impacts people, their families and their livelihoods. We are witnessing the loss of hundreds of animal lives, with many more suffering injuries, displacement due to their shelters being destroyed plus the high risk of disease spread in the weeks to come. HSI/India is dedicated to providing immediate food and veterinary care to these animals, while also supporting the impacted communities. As we assess the evolving situation, we will progressively scale up our response to ensure we can assist as many affected animals and communities as possible amidst the devastating floods Our current relief operations plan is to mainly focus on Dorrang, Dhubri and Barpeta districts of Assam, which are also the most affected ones”

Facts:

  • HSI/India’s Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Response team has been responding to disasters since 2013, starting with the Uttarakhand flash floods and including the devastating Kerala floods in 2018 where the organization provided relief to more than 1,000 vulnerable families and 100,000 animals.
  • In 2022 and 2023 alone, HSI/India helped save more than 30,000 animals from floods in Delhi, Telangana and Assam.

ENDS

Media contact: Shaili Shah: 9930591005; sshah@hsi.org

Up to 2.5 million South Koreans identify as vegan

Humane Society International / South Korea

Rescued from a dog meat farm
Jean Chung

SEOUL—More than 20 Korean animal protection groups and hundreds of citizens are expected to gather in Seoul on July 13 to mark the start of South Korea’s first Bok Nal since the National Assembly voted in January to ban the dog meat industry.

Although appetite for dog meat soup (bosintang ) is at an all-time low, its consumption is most popular during Bok Nal, when it is believed by some to help beat the heat. This Bok Nal—which begins on July 15—Humane Society International/Korea is urging citizens to have a dog meat-free Bok Nal and believes the phase out plan and government support offers dog meat farmers an opportunity to leave behind them a dying industry with no financial future and embrace South Korea’s growing plant-based food culture.

A 2021 Statista survey estimates that up to 2.5 million people in South Korea identify as vegan and HSI/Korea believes instead of converting farms to rear other animals such as black goats or pigs, dog farmers should capitalize on consumer interest in eating for human health, animal welfare and the planet.

Since 2015 HSI/Korea’s Models for Change program has worked with 18 dog meat farmers, providing one-off grants to transition them out of the industry to a new life.

HSI/Korea’s dog meat campaign manager, Sangkyung Lee, says: “While some of the elderly dog meat farmers with whom HSI/Korea has worked have chosen to retire, most farmers have transitioned their businesses to humane, sustainable livelihoods such as growing crops, water delivery and other trades. With government support, it should be entirely possible for most dog farmers to switch to humane industries that don’t exploit dogs or any other animals such as black goats or pigs. With more South Koreans than ever before exploring healthier plant-based eating, it would be a smart move for dog farmers to switch to producing the fresh vegetables and herbs that consumers are seeking for meat-free cooking.”

The South Korean market for plant-based foods is booming. The Korea Vegan Union estimates that one-third of the population regularly enjoy vegetarian meals, and surveys show that Korean consumers are increasingly interested in eating more meat-free meals for health and environmental protection reasons.  In a Nielsen Korea opinion poll commissioned by HSI/Korea in 2023, 32.1% of respondents believe that no animals should be killed for meat. The Korea Rural Economic Institute forecasts that the domestic plant-based alternative food market size will grow to KRW 280 billion by 2026, and the Korean Tourism Organization has even launched the country’s first ever vegan food tour to capitalize on its vibrant plant-based cuisine.

In addition to the market opportunities of plant-based agriculture, HSI/Korea believes that transitioning to farming other animals such as black goats or pigs would simply replace one work intensive and environmentally polluting animal-based industry with another.

Sangkyung Lee explains: “With improved environmental protection regulations in South Korea, one of the most common complaints local authorities receive about dog farms is the noise and the smell. We know that this has caused major issues for many dog farmers, so why repeat those issues with pigs and goats when you can grab this opportunity for a more peaceful and sustainable arable farming venture that plugs into people’s passion for healthful plant-based foods?”

The Special Act on the Prohibition of Dog Meat Consumption will see the breeding, slaughter and sale of dogs for meat banned by 2027. Dog meat farms, slaughterhouses and restaurants that submit a closure implementation plan by August 5 will qualify for government financial support to close or transition to a new business. By September, the government will publish its Basic Plan to End Dog Meat Consumption which is intended to include practical details of how it intends to phase out the estimated 1,507 dog meat farms, 163 dog slaughterhouses, 2,276 dog meat restaurants and how to address the more than 500,000 dogs who are estimated to be living on dog meat farms.

South Korea now joins a growing list of countries, territories, provinces, cities and regencies across Asia that have banned the dog meat trade (with varying degrees of enforcement), including Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, India, Thailand and Singapore, as well as the cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai in mainland China, Siem Reap province in Cambodia, and 45 cities, regencies and provinces in Indonesia. In 2022 HSI expanded its Models for Change program into Viet Nam where 5 million dogs and 1 million cats are trafficked and killed annually for meat; so far six dog or cat meat businesses have closed and transitioned as a result of the program.

ENDS

Media contact: Wendy Higgins, director international media ; whiggins@hsi.org

Notes

This survey was conducted online in August 2023, targeting 1,500 respondents aged 18 to 59, considering gender, age and regional demographics, with margin of error +-2.53%.

Learn More Button Inserter