Eating dogs has been outlawed in South Korea, thanks to a historic parliamentary vote.
An unsettling centuries-old habit of consuming the meat of man’s best friend has been ended by the passage of a bill branded “history in the making” by advocates. Hundreds of thousands of dogs were previously grown and butchered in South Korea each year, but that appears to be coming to an end, owing to changing public attitudes.
Demand for dog meat is thought to be at an all-time low, making now an excellent time for the country to reconsider its legality. Following the vote, from 2027 it will be illegal to breed, slaughter, and sell dog meat for human consumption.
People who violate the new law could face up to three years in prison or fines of up to £18,000. Meanwhile, the construction of additional slaughterhouses and farms has been prohibited indefinitely. This restriction also prohibits the construction of new dog frying facilities.
Campaigners have reacted positively to the news. According to Sky, JungAh Chae, the head of the country’s Humane Society International, stated: “This is history in the making. I never thought I would see in my lifetime a ban on the cruel dog meat industry in South Korea, but this historic win for animals is a testament to the passion and determination of our animal protection movement.”
South Korea bans dog meat, yet no penalties imposed
However, there have been no consequences associated with eating dog meat. On Tuesday (January 9), the law was passed with 208 votes to none.
It is thought that dog farmers intend to challenge the decision, claiming that slaughtering methods have become more compassionate in recent years. Campaigners, on the other hand, claim that they are being hanged or electrocuted. The tradition has been going on for hundreds of years, making change difficult, but the meat is said to be mostly consumed by old people.
Son Won Hak, the leader of a farmers’ association, claimed the measure represented “clear state violence” and that the government was “infringing on freedom of occupational option.”
Dog meat consumption is still common in various countries, notably China, where the Yulin Lychee and Dog Meat Festival is an annual event. During the 10-day celebration, 10,000 puppies are consumed in the rural southern Chinese city.