BBC: Dog Meat Ban -2

The government has promised to expand shelters and even offer farmers money- about $450 per dog- if they close early. But activists say there's still no clear rescue plan for the huge number of animals. 

Some dogs are being sent overseas, to countries like Canada and the US, where adoption is easier. One farmer was amazed at how gently rescurers handled his animals. He said, "They treated them like they were individuals with dignity, and that really touched my heart."

For that farmer, raising dogs was just a job- a way to earn his livelihood. That's our sixth word- livelihood means the way someone earns money to live. Losing it can mean hardship, poverty, and big life changes. 

Not everyone agrees with the ban. Some farmers ask, "If it's wrong to eat dogs, why is it okay to eat cows, pigs, or chickens?"

But experts  point out that dog meat in South Korea isn't part of the regulated food system, which makes it riskier from a health and hygiene point of view. 

Public opinion is also changing. In 2015, over a quarter of South Koreans said they had eaten dog meat in the past year. By 2024, that number had dropped to just 8%. 

And many younger people see it as taboo- something socially unacceptable. That's why more than 600 of the country's dog farms have already closed. 

Still, for farmers, especially younger ones, the future looks uncertain. Without income from selling dogs, many say they have no way forward- and no way back. 

Some hope the grace period will be extended. Others fear that by 2027, some farmers may not be able to cope with the changes at all. 

Okay, tiem for our quiz answer. We asked: What does "grace period" mean?

a) A time when you must work harder than usual. 

b) Extra time allowed before a new rule is fully enforced. 

c) A special holiday for celebrating an event. 

d) The period after an animal is rescued. 

And the correct answer is...B. Extra time allowed before a new rule is fully enforced. 

Let's recap today's vocabulary:

Ban- when something is officially made illegal. 

Phrase out- to end something slowly over time. 

Penalty- a punishment for breaking a law or rule. 

Stigama- a negative label or unfair judgement. 

Euthanise- to end an animal's life painlessly. 

Livelihood- the way someone earns money to live. 

The story is full of emotion- it's about change, tradition, and how laws can affect people and animals in unexpected ways.