Edited by Deepali Verma
South Korea’s Parliament on January 9 passed a bill that prohibits the consumption and sale of dog meat, putting an end to a centuries-old practice. The move demonstrates a shift in societal attitudes towards animal welfare, with a growing number of Koreans viewing dogs as family members.
Traditionally perceived as a means to enhance stamina during the humid Korean summer, the consumption of dog meat has declined over time. The practice is now primarily associated with older people. The methods employed such as, electrocution or hanging, in slaughtering dogs have been subject to criticism, and have contributed to the decline in the practice.
The legislation states, “This law is aimed at contributing to realising the values of animal rights, which pursues respect for life and a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.”
Traders have noted that progress has been made in incorporating more humane slaughtering practices.
The bill, as proposed by the ruling party, received incredible support in the single-chamber parliament, gathering 208 votes with two abstentions after approval by the bipartisan agriculture committee on January 8.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, popular for his love of animals and having adopted six dogs and eight cats himself with First Lady Kim Keon Hee, is also a vocal critic of dog meat consumption, which has led to the increasing support for the ban.
The legislation is set to come into effect after a three-year grace period, and violations could result in up to three years in prison or fines of 30 million won ($22,800).
Animal protection group Humane Society International (HSI) Korea’s Borami Seo in conversation with Reuters, said, “The bill seeks to bring an end to the breeding and killing of dogs for human consumption. We stand at a pivotal point to spare millions of dogs from this cruel industry.”
As per a survey released on January 8 by Seoul-based think tank Animal Welfare Awareness, Research and Education, over 94 per cent of respondents reported refraining from consuming dog meat in the last year, and approximately 93 per cent expressed their intention to avoid doing so in the future.
HSI executive director JungAh Chae told AP, “I never thought I would witness in my lifetime a ban on the cruel dog meat industry in South Korea, but this historic victory for animals is a testament to the passion, dedication and determination of our animal protection movement.”
Despite previous failed attempts to ban dog meat because of opposition from the industry, the current bill is expected to offer compensation to facilitate the transition of businesses away from the trade.
In November, close to 200 dog breeders for consumption staged a rally near the presidential office, encouraging the abandonment of the proposed legislation.
In April 2022, the agriculture ministry laid out estimates that 1,100 farms were breeding 570,000 dogs for consumption, destined for approximately 1,600 restaurants.
A farmer and leader of a farmers’ association informed AP, “This is an explicit state violence as they’re infringing upon the freedom of occupational option. We can’t just sit idly.”
The Korean Association of Edible Dogs, a coalition representing breeders and sellers, contended that the ban has the ability to impact 3,500 farms involved in raising 1.5 million dogs, along with 3,000 restaurants.
