Dog Meat to Be Removed from the Menu in South Korea After Country Outlaws Centuries-Old Practice

The bill, which is set to go into effect by 2027, outlaws the practice of dogs being sold for their meat

South Korea has passed a law banning the sale of dog meat.

The bill was passed on Tuesday, and it will prevent the breeding, farming and selling of dogs for their meat, which has been in practice in the country for centuries.

According to BBC News, the legislation will go into effect in 2027. Under the new law, consumption of dog meat will not be criminalized. Instead, the legislation focuses on the raising and selling of dogs as food.

Under the new law, anyone found guilty of butchering dogs could face up to three years in prison, while those who breed dogs as food or sell dog meat could serve a maximum of two years, or pay up to 30 million won ($22,800) in fines, per NBC News.

The South Korean government is giving dog farmers and restaurants that sell dog meat until 2027 to find a new source of income or transition their business into dog meat-free operations, according to the outlet.

The government has also vowed to assist dog meat farmers, butchers and restaurant owners as they close or transition their businesses under the new law, although the exact details of the plan are still being discussed.

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Per the AP, the country's National Assembly passed the bill by a 208-0 vote. It was also endorsed by the Cabinet Council and is set to be signed by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has six dogs, is also a supporter of the ban.

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“This law is aimed at contributing to realizing the values of animal rights, which pursue respect for life and a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals,” the legislation stated, per the AP.

“This is history in the making,” JungAh Chae, executive director of Humane Society International Korea, said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

“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 testament to the passion and determination of our animal protection movement.”

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The new law comes amid a drop in popularity of dog meat in restaurants among young people.

Per BBC, a Gallup poll last year revealed that 8% of people said they had tried dog meat in the past 12 months, compared to 27% in 2015.

Meanwhile, less than a fifth of those polled said they supported the consumption of dog meat.

Still, dog farmers plan to oppose the bill, per the AP.

Lee Chae-yeon, a 22-year-old student, told the BBC, the ban was needed to promote animal rights.

"More people have pets today," she said. "Dogs are like family now and it's not nice to eat our family."

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