SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s parliament made a historic move on Tuesday by passing a bill to ban the consumption and sale of dog meat, putting an end to a centuries-old practice. The decision comes amid a growing public support for animal welfare.
The controversial practice of eating dog meat was once believed to improve stamina in the hot and humid Korean summers. However, the tradition has become uncommon, mainly limited to older generations, as more Koreans view dogs as family pets. Additionally, criticism of the inhumane methods of slaughtering dogs for meat has intensified.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, an animal lover who has adopted six dogs and eight cats with the first lady Kim Keon Hee, has been a vocal critic of dog meat consumption. The bill, proposed by the ruling party and with rare bipartisan support, was passed overwhelmingly by 208 votes with two abstentions.
The legislation, aimed at eradicating the consumption of dogs, will take effect after a three-year grace period. It criminalizes the breeding and slaughtering of dogs for human consumption, imposing penalties of up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won ($22,800). Notably, the bill does not specify any penalties for consuming dog meat.
The decision has garnered widespread support, with an animal protection group calling it “history in the making.” A survey revealed that over 94% of respondents had not consumed dog meat in the past year, and about 93% stated they would not do so in the future.
The ban will impact approximately 3,500 farms raising 1.5 million dogs, as well as 3,000 restaurants, according to the farmers’ association. The move to end the consumption of dog meat reflects a significant shift in public sentiment and highlights a growing concern for animal welfare in South Korea.
The bill’s passage marks a significant milestone in the effort to end the consumption of dog meat and promote humane treatment of animals in South Korea. This decision reflects the changing attitudes towards animals and their welfare in the country.