South Korea heads on Supporting Animal Rights to ban ancient custom of eating dogs

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• Nov 18, 2023 | Poonam Nath

The Korean practice of eating dogs has prompted worldwide ire for its cruelty, but there is also growing...

Digital Desk: A governing party policy head announced on Friday that South Korea plans to abolish eating dog meat and put an end to the controversy surrounding the old practice as public awareness of animal rights deepens.

The Korean practice of eating dogs has attracted worldwide ire for its cruelty, but there is also growing opposition at home, particularly among the younger generation.

Policy Chief of the ruling People Power Party Yu Eui-dong during a meeting with government officials and animal rights groups stated, "It is time to put an end to social conflicts and controversies around dog meat consumption through the enactment of a special act to end it."

Yu said the government and ruling party would present measures this year to implement the ban, and that the legislation should pass with bipartisan backing.

Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun informed the meeting that the government would enforce a ban as soon as feasible and would provide as much assistance as possible to individuals in the dog meat sector for them to close their doors.

First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been a vocal opponent of dog meat consumption and has adopted stray canines with her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Anti-dog meat legislation has failed in the past due to industry complaints and concerns about farmers' and restaurant owners' livelihoods.

A proposed ban on dog meat consumption in South Korea will include a three-year grace period and financial support for enterprises moving out of the sector. Animal rights organisations such as Humane Society International applauded the potential of a ban. 

According to the statistical analysis provided by the government, "the ban would affect 1,150 breeding farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution companies, and 1,600 restaurants."

According to a Gallup Korea poll conducted last year, 64% of Koreans oppose the consumption of dog meat. According to the poll, only 8% of respondents had eaten dogs in the previous year, down from 27% in 2015.