EXETER, United Kingdom: A historic shift in South Korea’s stance on the dog meat trade is set to take effect in 2027, following the passage of a groundbreaking bill. The legislation, which outlaws the slaughter of dogs and the sale of dog meat for human consumption, carries significant penalties for violations, including fines of up to 30 million won (US$22,300) and potential imprisonment for three years. Notably, the consumption of dog meat itself will remain legal.
The news has been met with enthusiasm by numerous animal protection organizations in South Korea, marking a long-anticipated victory. However, it has stirred controversy among pro-dog-meat associations, as the livelihoods of dog meat farmers and retailers stand to be directly impacted by the legislative change.
Dog meat holds the position of the fourth most-consumed meat in South Korea, trailing behind pork, beef, and chicken. Over the past few decades, the practice has experienced a notable decline, sparking division within South Korean society for more than half a century.
For some, the dog meat trade symbolizes resistance against cultural imperialism, while others view it as an impediment to modernity. Meanwhile, the fate of other animals, whose commodification as meat is normalized and accepted, often goes overlooked.
The consumption of dogs in Korea has a deep-rooted history, with evidence suggesting it dates back to the Neolithic age, around 6000BC to 2000BC. However, it gained international attention in the lead-up to the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games when the South Korean government temporarily banned the sale of dog meat in the capital’s traditional markets. This move, aimed at avoiding offense to foreigners, sparked criticism from some quarters of South Korean civil society, viewing it as cultural imperialism.
Tensions flared again during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2018 Winter Olympics, with public figures advocating for dog meat as a national cultural symbol. Despite these episodes, dog meat consumption has witnessed a sharp decline, particularly since 2000, dropping from 3 million dogs slaughtered annually in 2002 to under 1 million by the early 2020s, as reported by animal protection group KARA.
A civil movement, championed by animal protection charities, has played a pivotal role in advocating for an end to the dog meat trade. The movement, predominantly supported by younger generations influenced by the development of “pet culture,” gained momentum. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the decline, prompting municipal authorities to engage with dog retailers to negotiate the closure of dog slaughtering facilities in traditional markets.
Research indicates that the pandemic may have facilitated a departure from the status quo on dog meat consumption, prompting discussions on ending the practice to mitigate the risk of disease transmission between animals and humans.
However, as the ban comes into full effect in 2027, dog meat farmers are seeking compensation for the impact on their livelihoods. The Korean Dog Meat Association argues that the bill infringes on the right to choose what to eat and demands compensation for farmers, including a grace period of 10 years after the ban.
While the ban marks a significant milestone for animal protectionists and dog lovers, it underscores the challenges faced by those whose livelihoods are intertwined with the domestic dog meat trade. Importantly, the legislation does not signal the complete end of dog meat consumption in South Korea, as it will presumably continue to be lawful, potentially supplied by imported meat. Nevertheless, this marks a noteworthy shift in the Korean attitude towards dogs, emphasizing their privileged status compared to other animals whose commodification as meat remains normalized and largely invisible.
