In a landmark decision for animal welfare, South Korea’s national assembly has voted decisively to prohibit the production and sale of dog meat, a move hailed by campaigners as a “historic victory.” The vote, held on Tuesday, marks the culmination of years of pressure both within the country and internationally.
The legislation, while not criminalizing the consumption of dog meat, effectively brings an end to the breeding, butchery, distribution, and sale of dogs for this purpose. This practice, rooted in history, will face strict restrictions when the ban takes effect in 2027, following a three-year grace period. Violators could face up to three years in prison or a maximum fine of 30 million won (£17,900). The law includes compensation packages to assist businesses in transitioning away from the dog meat industry.
Eating dog meat, often served in stews to enhance tenderness, was historically considered a method to combat fatigue during hot summers. However, consumption has significantly declined in recent decades, particularly among younger South Koreans who increasingly view dogs as family pets.
A recent survey by the Seoul-based think tank Animal Welfare Awareness, Research, and Education revealed that over 94% of respondents had not consumed dog meat in the past year, while 93% expressed their unwillingness to do so in the future.
Despite the decline in consumption, approximately 1,150 farms still breed dogs for meat, and around 1,600 restaurants continue to serve dog meat dishes in South Korea, according to the agriculture ministry.
The dog meat industry has faced longstanding criticism for its perceived cruelty, with dogs subjected to electrocution or hanging during the slaughter process. While some traders claimed to have made the slaughtering process more humane, campaigners welcomed the parliamentary decision as a crucial step towards ending the suffering of animals.
JungAh Chae, the executive director of Humane Society International/Korea, remarked, “This is 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.”
President Yoon Suk-yeol, an animal lover who has adopted several dogs and cats with his wife, Kim Keon-hee, has played a role in elevating the momentum to outlaw the sale of dog meat, aligning with the growing sentiment against the industry within South Korea.
