South Korean lawmaker introduces bill to ban dog meat for humansSouth Korea is considering a ban on the breeding and slaughtering of dogs for human consumption, a practice that has been declining in recent years amid growing public and political pressure.
A bill to phase out the industry over five years was introduced in parliament on Wednesday by a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party, Han Jeoung-ae, and co-sponsored by 11 others from across the political spectrum.
The bill was developed in coordination with Human Society International (HSI), an animal rights group that has closed 18 farms in South Korea since 2015 and found homes for more than 2,700 dogs abroad.
The bill includes provisions for closing dog farms and subsidies for assisting farmers in transitioning to new livelihoods.
Han Jeoung-ae said the bill aimed to end a “long-standing custom” that was “clearly illegal” under the current law and “goes against the heightened awareness of our citizens about animals”.
“Considering changing social attitudes and Korea’s status in the international community, dog eating is a custom that should be abolished now,” she said in a press release.
Borami Seo, HSI Korea director of government affairs, hailed the bill as “an historic moment for animal welfare in South Korea”.
“It’s clear that there is significant societal and political momentum to end South Korea’s dog meat era once and for all,” she said.
The bill comes at a time when South Korean President Moon Jae-in, a known dog lover, has raised the possibility of banning the consumption of dog meat in the country.
On Monday, he questioned whether it was time to “prudently consider” the issue, as he was briefed on a plan to improve the care system for abandoned pets.
Moon Jae-in has several dogs at the presidential compound, including one he rescued after taking office. He is the first president to adopt a dog from a shelter.
Most Koreans have never eaten dog meat, and demand for it has dwindled in recent years. But it is estimated that up to one million dogs are still slaughtered for food each year in South Korea.
Meat has long been a part of South Korean cuisine, especially during the summer months. It is believed by some to have health benefits such as increasing stamina and vitality.
However, surveys show that most South Koreans don’t eat dog meat or support the practice. A poll in 2020, conducted by Nielsen for HSI, found that 84% of South Koreans have never consumed dog meat or say they do not want to consume it in the future. It also found that 59% of South Koreans support banning dog meat.
Animal rights groups have long called for a stop to the dog meat trade, citing cruelty and hygiene concerns. They have also staged protests and campaigns to raise awareness and pressure the authorities.
Jeon Jin-Kyung, head of the Korea Animal Rights Advocates, said: “A growing number of South Koreans are considering the consumption of dog meat as a matter of animal abuse rather than tradition.”
The issue is also likely to feature in the presidential election campaign, which is scheduled to take place next year. Several candidates have already raised the possibility of banning dog meat.
Lee Jae-myung, Gyeonggi Province Governor and a strong contender said there need to be new laws and policies based on “social consensus”.
South Korea is one of the few countries in Asia where dog meat is still widely consumed. China, Vietnam, and Indonesia are among others where the trade persists despite growing opposition.
Relevant articles:
– South Korean lawmaker introduces Special Act to ban dog meat industry, hailed as “historic day for animal welfare” by HSI/Korea, Humane Society International, June 28, 2023
– South Korean lawmaker introduces bill to ban dog meat for humans, MSN, June 28, 2023
– South Korea’s president raises ban on eating dog meat: “Hasn’t the time come?”, CBS News, June 27, 2023
– South Korea’s president mulls dog meat ban as consumption dwindles, BBC News, September 27, 2021