South Korea will ban the sale of dog meat for human consumption from 2027, ending a centuries-old practice amid growing support for animal welfare.
Violation of the law carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won (20,800 euros). Animal protection organizations expressed their euphoria: “A dream come true for all of us who fought so hard to end this cruelty.”
Animal rights activists have criticized, among other things, the fact that most dogs are killed by electrocution or hanging during slaughter. Breeders and traders argued that progress had been made towards a less painful slaughter.
President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is known as an animal lover, supported the ban. Together with First Lady Kim Keon-hee, he has adopted countless stray dogs and cats.
Eating dog meat has always been considered a means of improving endurance in the sultry Korean summer. Eating dog meat has now become less common. Older Koreans in particular adhere to this.
According to South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture estimates, as of April 2022, about 1,100 farms bred 570,000 dogs, which were served in about 1,600 restaurants.
1.5 million dogs bred for consumption
The Korean Edible Dog Association, a group of breeders and sellers, said the ban would affect 3,500 companies that breed 1.5 million dogs and 3,000 restaurants.
Source: Krone
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