South Korea makes historic move to ban sale and consumption of Dog meat

In a favorable decision towards animal lovers, South Korea has banned the sale and consumption of Dog Meat in the country. Lets understand the whole issue-

In a historic decision, South Korea's Parliament has passed a groundbreaking bill on Tuesday, effectively banning the consumption and sale of dog meat. This centuries-old practice, traditionally believed to boost stamina during the humid Korean summer, has seen a gradual decline in recent years, with an increasing number of Koreans viewing dogs as cherished family members.

Changing Perceptions and Decline of Dog Meat Consumption

The consumption of dog meat, once prevalent and associated with stamina-boosting rituals, has dwindled over time. Today, the practice is primarily linked to older generations, and criticism of inhumane slaughtering methods, such as electrocution or hanging, has contributed significantly to its decline.

The newly passed legislation emphasizes the values of animal rights, aiming to promote respect for life and a harmonious co-existence between humans and animals. Traders have acknowledged progress in adopting more humane slaughtering practices.

Political Support and Presidential Influence

Proposed by the ruling party, the bill received overwhelming support in the single-chamber parliament, with 208 votes and only two abstentions after approval by the bipartisan agriculture committee on Monday. President Yoon Suk Yeol, known for his love of animals and having adopted six dogs and eight cats, along with First Lady Kim Keon Hee, a vocal critic of dog meat consumption, has played a crucial role in garnering support for the ban.

The legislation is set to take 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).

International Support and Animal Welfare Impact

Animal protection group Humane Society International (HSI) Korea has hailed the bill as a pivotal moment to spare millions of dogs from the cruel industry. A survey by the Seoul-based think tank Animal Welfare Awareness, Research and Education revealed that over 94 percent of respondents refrained from consuming dog meat in the past year, with approximately 93 percent expressing their intention to continue abstaining in the future.

JungAh Chae, executive director of HSI, expressed her disbelief at witnessing a ban on the cruel dog meat industry in South Korea, calling it a historic win for animals.

Challenges and Opposition from the Industry

Despite prior unsuccessful attempts to ban dog meat due to industry opposition, the current bill aims to offer compensation to ease the transition for businesses away from the trade. In November, around 200 dog breeders staged a rally near the presidential office, urging the abandonment of the proposed legislation.

As of April 2022, the agriculture ministry estimated that 1,100 farms were breeding 570,000 dogs for consumption, destined for approximately 1,600 restaurants. The Korean Association of Edible Dogs, a coalition representing breeders and sellers, contends that the ban would impact 3,500 farms involved in raising 1.5 million dogs, along with 3,000 restaurants. Farmers argue that the ban infringes upon their freedom of occupational choice, calling it a form of state violence.

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