South Korea has passed a new law that calls for the abolition of dog meat slaughter and sale by 2027.
According to BBC, the legislation intends to put an end to the centuries-old habit of eating dog flesh.
The legislation prohibits raising or slaughtering dogs for human food, as well as distributing or selling dog meat. Those found guilty of doing so may face prison time.
Dog meat has fallen out of appeal with diners in recent decades. It is especially despised by young people.
Those who slaughter dogs may face up to three years in prison, while those who grow dogs for meat or sell dog meat risk up to two years. However, dog meat consumption itself will not illegal.
The new legislation will take effect in three years, giving farmers and restaurant owners time to find alternate employment and income sources. They will be required to submit to their local authorities a strategy to phase out their companies.
The government has committed to fully support dog meat growers, butchers, and restaurant owners whose enterprises will be forced to close, though the specifics of compensation have yet to be worked out.
In 2023, South Korea had over 1,600 dog meat restaurants and 1,150 dog farms, according to government statistics.
Some elderly South Koreans believe dog meat stew, known as “boshintang,” to be a delicacy, but the meat is no longer popular with young people.
Previous governments, dating back to the 1980s, have promised to ban dog meat but have yet to act. President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee are both recognized animal lovers. They both have six dogs, and Ms Kim has advocated for an end to the habit of eating dogs.
Animal rights organizations, which have long advocated for the ban, applauded the outcome of Tuesday’s vote.
Previous governments, dating back to the 1980s, have promised to ban dog meat but have yet to act. President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee are both recognized animal lovers. They both have six dogs, and Ms Kim has advocated for an end to the habit of eating dogs.
Animal rights organizations, which have long advocated for the ban, applauded the outcome of Tuesday’s vote while others like, Mrs Kim, who is a dog meat restaurant owner in her 60s, stated that she was frustrated by the ban, and blamed it on the rise in the number of people in South Korea having pets.
