SKorea on verge of banning dog meat sales, production
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s parliament has passed a landmark ban on production and sales of dog meat, as public calls for a prohibition have grown sharply over concerns about animal rights and the country’s international image.
Some angry dog farmers said they plan to challenge the bill’s constitutionality and hold protest rallies, a sign of continued debate over the ban.
After a three-year grace period, the bill approved this week would make slaughtering, breeding and sales of dog meat for human consumption illegal from 2027 and punishable by two to three years in prison. It doesn’t provide any penalties for eating dog meat.
Dog meat consumption, a centuries-old practice on the Korean Peninsula, is neither explicitly banned nor legalized in South Korea. Recent surveys show more than half of South Koreans want dog meat banned and a majority no longer eat it. But 1 in 3 South Koreans still opposes a ban even though they don’t consume it.
The National Assembly passed the bill 208-0.
It will become law after being endorsed by the Cabinet Council and signed by President Yoon Suk Yeol, considered formalities since his government supports the ban.
“This law is aimed at contributing to realizing the values of animal rights, which pursue respect for life and a harmonious co-existence between humans and animals,” the legislation says.
The bill offers assistance to dog farmers and others in the industry in shutting down their businesses and shifting to alternatives.
Details are to be worked out among government officials, farmers, experts and animal rights activists.
Dozens of animal rights activists gathered at the National Assembly to celebrate the bill’s passage. They carried large photos of dogs, chanted slogans and held “Dog meat-free Korea is coming” placards.
Humane Society International called the legislation’s passage “history in the making.”
“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,” said JungAh Chae, executive director of HSI’s Korea office.
Dogs are also eaten in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, North Korea and some African countries.
But South Korea’s dog meat industry has drawn more attention because of the country’s reputation as a cultural and economic powerhouse.
It’s also the only nation with industrial-scale dog farms.
Most farms in South Korea raise about 500 dogs, but one visited by The Associated Press in July had about 7,000 dogs.
Farmers were upset by the bill’s passage.
“This is a clear case of state violence as they are infringing on our freedom to choose our occupation. We can’t just sit by idly,” said Son Won Hak, a farmer and former leader of a farmers’ association.
Son said dog farmers will file a petition with the Constitutional Court of Korea and hold demonstrations.