South Korea announces ban on consumption of dog meat
South Korea aims to impose ban on the consumption of dog meat, resolving the controversy over this ancient custom.
Seoul: In recent news, South Korea aims to impose ban on the consumption of dog meat. This aims at resolving the controversy over this ancient custom due to increasing awareness of animal rights.
The ruling People Power Party’s policy chief, Yu Eui-dong, recently announced the decision of implementing a law to ban dog meat consumption completely by the year 2027, allowing a grace period of three years.
The practice of eating dog meat in Korea has faced criticism globally Opposition against the same is also growing within the country, especially among the younger generations. Yu Eui-dong emphasized the need to end social conflicts surrounding this issue.
In order to enforce the ban, the government and ruling party will be presenting a bill this year, expecting bipartisan support. Previous attempts to pass anti-dog meat bills faced resistance from industry players concerned about their livelihoods.
The proposed ban includes a three-year transition period and financial support for businesses shifting away from the dog meat trade. Although eating dog meat has become less common in South Korea, it persists among older individuals and certain restaurants.
A Gallup Korea poll from last year revealed that 64 percent of respondents opposed dog meat consumption, with only eight percent having eaten dog mean in one year. This was a significant decrease from 27 percent, as recorded in 2015.
Government data shows approximately 1,150 dog breeding farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution companies, and 1,600 restaurants serving dog meat.
Several animal rights groups, including Humane Society International, welcomed the future ban, calling it a ‘dream come true’ for those who have been advocating to end this practice.
Ms Kalinga