South Korea to ban eating dogs

A ruling party policy head stated on Friday that South Korea hopes to outlaw the consumption of dog meat and end the debate surrounding the age-old practise in light of the country’s growing understanding of animal rights.

Although the horrific practise of eating dogs in Korea has garnered criticism from other countries, there is also growing opposition to the practise domestically, especially among younger generations.

“It’s time to end dog meat consumption-related social conflicts and controversies through the enactment of a special act to end it,” People Power Party policy chief Yu Eui-dong stated in a meeting with government representatives and animal rights advocates.

Yu stated that a law to impose the ban would be introduced by the government and ruling party this year and that it should pass the parliament easily with the anticipated bipartisan support.

The government will swiftly enact a ban and offer all assistance necessary to individuals involved in the dog meat industry in closing their establishments, according to Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun, who addressed the gathering.

First lady Kim Keon Hee has adopted stray dogs alongside her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, and has been an outspoken opponent of the eating of dog meat.

Bills opposing the use of dog meat had previously failed due to protests from industry participants who were concerned for the jobs of restaurant and farm owners.

A three-year grace period and financial assistance for companies to exit the trade will be part of the proposed prohibition.

In the Korean peninsula, eating dog flesh has long been considered a means of surviving the summer heat.

Though some older people still eat it and certain restaurants still serve it, it is far less widespread than it once was in South Korea.

Government data indicates that there are approximately 1,150 dog breeding farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution companies, and approximately 1,600 restaurants that serve dogs.

64% of respondents to a Gallup Korea poll from last year were against the eating of dog meat. Only 8% of respondents to the survey said they had eaten dogs in the previous year, compared to 27% in 2015.

(With agency inputs)