Seoul, South Korea, August 17 (Reuters) – The dog meat industry in South Korea is facing growing pressure from activists and politicians aiming to clamp down on its practices, prompting resistance from dog meat farmers who have deep-rooted ties to the trade. While public sentiment and international image considerations are driving calls for a ban on dog meat consumption, farmers argue against the move, asserting the cultural significance of the practice and their own livelihoods.
The conflict between advocates and farmers is exemplified by Kim, a dog meat farmer in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, who has been in the industry for 27 years. Kim, proud of his legacy, expressed concern over efforts to suppress the business, which he is in the process of handing down to his children.
“It’s not just about feeling remorse. I strongly oppose these measures, and we will use all available means to resist,” Kim, 57, asserted in an interview at his farm.
The history of consuming dog meat stretches back centuries on the Korean peninsula, with the practice often associated with providing strength during the hot summer months. Although neither explicitly prohibited nor legalized in South Korea, dog meat consumption is increasingly contentious due to rising animal rights awareness and concerns over the country’s international reputation.
Support for the anti-dog meat movement gained momentum recently, with the country’s first lady publicly endorsing a ban and two lawmakers introducing bills aimed at eliminating the dog meat trade. The movement is fueled by the perception that dog meat consumption clashes with South Korea’s elevated cultural standing on the global stage.
Opposition lawmaker Han Jeoungae, who introduced legislation to prohibit the dog meat industry, emphasized the negative impact of the practice on South Korea’s international image. “Foreigners think South Korea is a cultural powerhouse. But the higher the international status of Korean culture, the more shocked foreigners are by our dog meat consumption,” Han stated.
While efforts to ban dog meat have garnered support, they have also encountered resistance from farmers, restaurateurs, and others connected to the industry. Survey data indicates that about one-third of South Koreans oppose a ban on dog meat, even though the majority no longer partake in its consumption.
In addition to South Korea, dog meat is consumed in other countries, including China, Vietnam, Indonesia, North Korea, and select African nations. Recent strides have been made to curb the practice in some areas. Indonesian authorities recently announced an end to the slaughter of dogs and cats at animal markets in Sulawesi, signifying progress in the effort to protect animal welfare.
South Korea’s dog meat industry has drawn particular international attention due to the country’s advanced development and modern democracy. Industrial-scale farms in South Korea are distinct, housing hundreds of dogs each.
Kim’s farm, one of the largest in the nation with approximately 7,000 dogs, appeared relatively clean during a recent visit. However, the facility’s practices have faced scrutiny. The dogs are contained in overhead cages, fed food waste and ground chicken, and typically sold for meat after a year of birth. Such conditions have raised concerns among activists and the public.
As sentiment shifts and efforts to eradicate the dog meat industry intensify, the fate of this long-standing practice hangs in the balance. Amidst growing awareness of animal rights and concerns for South Korea’s international reputation, a complex dialogue between those advocating for a ban and those deeply entrenched in the industry continues to unfold.
