- South Korea unveiled plans on Friday to terminate the nation’s dog meat industry.
- The dog meat trade being outlawed by the end of the year is being pushed by lawmakers and government officials.
- The goal of the proposed law is to deal with the world’s rising pet population.
Planned to phase out the long-standing practice entirely by 2027, South Korea unveiled plans on Friday to terminate the nation’s dog meat industry.
The goal of the dog meat trade being outlawed by the end of the year, followed by a three-year phase-out period, is being pushed by lawmakers and government officials. The declaration was made following a meeting on Friday at the National Assembly in Seoul between representatives of the agriculture ministry, animal rights organizations, and members of the ruling People Power Party.
Outlaw dog meat
To address the societal unrest and disputes surrounding dog eating, Yu Eui-dong, an assembly member, has asked for the creation of a new law.
He stressed that most people oppose eating dogs and that dogs are more than simply property—they are family members, friends, and members of the community. The goal of the proposed law is to deal with the world’s rising pet population.
The breeding, killing, distributing, and selling of dogs for food are all to be outlawed by the South Korean government. To assist registered dog farm owners and other industry participants in closing their businesses and moving on to other endeavors, compensation will be provided.
The announcement, according to JungAh Chae, executive director of Humane Society International/Korea, is “like a dream come true” for activists who have fought to put an end to the suffering. The bill “must now urgently be passed” and is described as “bold.”
Roughly a million canines are produced in South Korea for human consumption, according to HSI, despite the closure of several of the biggest markets and slaughterhouses in the nation.
Since 2015, the nonprofit organization has shut down eighteen farms in South Korea and placed over 2,700 dogs in homes across the US, Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands. According to a Nielsen Korea survey, 87.5% of South Koreans—mostly those in older generations—would never eat dog meat. Dog meat is a seasonal ritual.
Bills to outlaw the sale and butchery of dog meat have the support of both major parties and are being introduced this year. Farms, butcher shops, distributors, and dining establishments are required by law to provide a closure implementation plan to the local government.
