SEOUL: South Korea’s parliament passes the bill on Tuesday banning eating of dog meat, addressing a traditional practice that has faced international criticism.
Dog meat, once a common part of South Korean cuisine, has seen a decline in consumption as pet ownership becomes more popular, especially among the younger, urban population.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, an animal lover who has adopted stray dogs and cats, has expressed support for the ban. The bill, if passed, will make breeding, selling, and slaughtering dogs for meat punishable by up to three years in prison or fines of 30 million won ($23,000). The legislation will have a three-year grace period before taking full effect.
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The move reflects changing attitudes toward dog meat consumption in South Korea, with a recent survey indicating that nine out of 10 people in the country would not consider eating dog meat in the future. Animal rights activists have long pressured the government to outlaw the practice, and this bill represents official acknowledgment of the need for change.
Previous attempts to ban dog meat faced opposition from farmers involved in the trade. To address this, the current bill includes provisions for compensation to assist businesses in transitioning away from dog meat farming. Government figures estimate that around 1,100 dog farms breed hundreds of thousands of dogs annually, supplying restaurants across the country.
This legislative step aligns with a global shift toward recognizing the ethical concerns surrounding the consumption of dog meat and promoting the welfare of animals. If the bill passes, South Korea will join other nations in acknowledging the importance of protecting animals from practices deemed inhumane.
