SEOUL, South Korea – The South Korean parliament has voted to pass a bill that prohibits the eating and selling of dog meat, effectively putting an end to the centuries-old practice. The move comes amidst a growing shift in public opinion towards animal welfare, with an increasing number of Koreans viewing dogs as family pets rather than a source of food.
The controversial practice of eating dog meat was once believed to improve stamina during the humid Korean summer. However, it has become increasingly rare, mainly limited to older generations, as more Koreans express criticism of the inhumane methods used to slaughter the dogs. Most dogs are electrocuted or hanged for their meat, though some breeders and traders argue that there has been progress in making the slaughtering process more humane.
The bill to ban dog meat consumption has gained significant support under President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is an animal lover and has adopted multiple dogs and cats with the first lady, Kim Keon Hee. The bipartisan bill, proposed by the ruling party, received overwhelming support in the parliament, with 208 votes in favor and two abstentions.
The legislation includes a three-year grace period before it takes effect, during which breeding and slaughtering dogs for human consumption will be punishable by up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won ($22,800). However, the bill does not specify any penalties for individuals consuming dog meat.
Supporters of the ban see it as a significant step towards ending the suffering of dogs and have hailed it as “history in the making.” A recent survey by a Seoul-based think tank revealed that over 94% of respondents had not eaten dog meat in the past year, and about 93% stated they would not do so in the future.
The ban, however, has faced opposition from the industry, with plans to challenge the law’s legitimacy in the country’s Constitutional Court. The agriculture ministry estimates that around 1,100 farms were breeding 570,000 dogs for consumption at approximately 1,600 restaurants. The ban is expected to impact 3,500 farms and 3,000 restaurants, according to the farmers’ association.
In conclusion, the passing of the bill in South Korea signifies a significant shift away from the centuries-old practice of consuming dog meat, reflecting changing attitudes towards animal welfare in the country.