Animal activists have been working for years to end the c.r.u.e.l and i.n.h.u.m.a.n.e dog m.e.a.t industry in South Korea.

It is the only country with farms that breed dogs for human consumption. Roughly, one million dogs are s.l.a.u.g.h.t.e.r.e.d and eaten every year in South Korea.

Slowly, dog m.e.a.t farms are closing and being transformed into humane farming practices that do not involve animals.

Activists targeted the markets and vendors who s.l.a.u.g.h.t.e.r dogs onsite and just managed to shut down one of the largest markets in the country.

Humane Society International (HSI) just announced, “An agreement has been reached between vendors and local authorities to close down Gupo Market in Busan, one of the largest dog m.e.a.t markets in South Korea!”

Gupo Market was notorious for having live dogs c.r.a.m.m.e.d in cages and s.l.a.u.g.h.t.e.r.i.n.g them on order. This disturbing and c.r.u.e.l act will no longer occur.

An agreement was reached with all 19 dog m.e.a.t sellers to shut down their businesses. City officials plan on turning the market into a public park that will be dog friendly.

HSI posted, “This major victory not only means an end to dog m.e.a.t at Gupo, but it’s shining evidence of the strong tide turning against the dog m.e.a.t trade in South Korea!”

A majority of people in South Korea are against the dog m.e.a.t industry, with a study finding 70% do not eat dog m.e.a.t.

While consumption has declined, a soup called bosintang made of dog m.e.a.t is popular in July and August. Younger generations are against this c.r.u.e.l industry and thanks to relentless animal activists others are choosing not to consume dog m.e.a.t.

HSI and other local rescues are onsite to rescue any dogs that are still at the market.

Nara Kim, dog m.e.a.t campaigner for Humane Society International said, “HSI has been working with dog m.e.a.t farmers in South Korea for nearly four years helping them close their flagging businesses as more people in the county turn away from dog m.e.a.t, so the closure of Gupo’s grimly iconic dog market, which follows the demolition last year of the country’s largest dog s.l.a.u.g.h.t.e.r.h.o.u.s.e complex, is a sign of more compassionate times.”

“This is the latest crack down on an increasingly unpopular dog m.e.a.t trade, and we hope that it inspires further closures in future where dogs also suffer for the m.e.a.t trade, such as Chilsung market in Daegu.”

Shutting down this market is a major victory, but the battle continues until dogs are no longer bred for consumption and all dog m.e.a.t markets are closed.