17-11-2023 (SEOUL) South Korea is set to make a significant move towards banning the consumption of dog meat, aiming to address the controversy and social conflicts surrounding the practice. Yu Eui-dong, policy chief of the ruling People Power Party, announced the initiative during a meeting with government officials and animal rights activists.
The Korean tradition of eating dogs has faced international criticism for its perceived cruelty, with a rising tide of opposition within the country, particularly among the younger generation. Yu emphasized the need for a special act to put an end to the conflicts and controversies surrounding dog meat consumption.
“It is time to put an end to social conflicts and controversies around dog meat consumption through the enactment of a special act to end it,” said Yu.
A Bill to enforce the ban is expected to be introduced this year with bipartisan support, paving the way for swift passage through parliament. Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun expressed the government’s commitment to implementing the ban promptly and providing maximum support for those in the dog meat industry to transition out of their businesses.
First Lady Kim Keon-hee, along with President Yoon Suk-yeol, has been a vocal critic of dog meat consumption and has adopted stray dogs. Past attempts to pass anti-dog meat Bills faced opposition from industry participants concerned about their livelihoods.
The proposed ban includes a three-year grace period and financial support for businesses making the transition away from the dog meat trade. While eating dog meat has been a longstanding practice on the Korean peninsula, it has become less common in South Korea, primarily consumed by older individuals and served in specific restaurants.
Animal rights groups, including Humane Society International, have welcomed the potential ban, calling it a “dream come true” for campaigners striving to end the perceived cruelty. Government data indicates there are approximately 1,150 breeding farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution companies, and around 1,600 restaurants serving dog meat in South Korea.
A Gallup Korea poll from last year revealed that 64% of respondents opposed dog meat consumption. The survey also noted a decline in the number of people eating dogs, with only 8% admitting to doing so in the past year, down from 27% in 2015.
