South Korea Is Finally Banning the Sale and Consumption of Dog Meat

Eve Vawter
·2 min read
26

The South Korean government announced today its plans to ban the dog meat trade. This includes the shutdown of dog meat farms, slaughterers, and approximately 1,600 restaurants that still serve dog meat, according to government data.

Humane Society International said in a statement that this is "A dream come true for all of us who have campaigned so hard to end this cruelty."

As horrific as this practice is to many of us, the consumption of dog meat has historical roots in South Korea and has been part of certain traditional dishes. The celebration of the hottest days of summer in the country called Boknal includes the tradition where dog meat stew is traditionally served as an antidote to the sweltering heat.

While dog meat consumption has grotesquely been part of South Korean culture, attitudes toward dogs have evolved, particularly among younger generations who view dogs more as pets. A Gallup Korea poll last year showed 64% opposed dog meat consumption. The survey found only 8% of respondents had eaten dog within the past year, down from 27% in 2015.

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According to Reuters, Yu Eui-dong, policy chief of the ruling People Power Party, said at a meeting with government officials and animal rights activists that "It is time to put an end to social conflicts and controversies around dog meat consumption through the enactment of a special act to end it."

The bill will be set to become law by the end of the year. Once it is passed, it will allow a three-year phase out period for dog meat businesses to transition into other livelihoods, with the ban taking full effect in 2027.

It's impossible for most people to imagine consuming dog meat, and hopefully this ban will mean that this barbaric practice will be regulated as a sad chapter in the history books of South Korea. It's about time this horrific tradition has a ban placed on it.

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