South Korea bans dog meat trade

The breeding of dogs for the consumption of their meat and the inclusion of this product in restaurant menus will be banned from 2027. Last year, the government said that 500,000 dogs were being bred for this purpose in the country, which South Korean lawmakers approved Tuesday and Friday. (09/01) a bill that bans from 2027 the creation, slaughter and sale of dog meat, a practice practiced in the country for centuries.

The National Assembly approved the bill unanimously, with 208 votes in favor and none against. Although the text still needs to be approved by the State Council and signed by President Yoon Suk-yeol to enter into force, these steps are considered just a formality.

Support for the ban has grown under President Yoon, who is known for adopting stray dogs and cats. His wife, Kim Keon-hee, had also openly criticized this practice.

The text was praised by activists and pet owners. Traditionalists, however, argue that beef is a typical South Korean recipe and that people should be free to consume it.

The new law comes amid growing support for animal welfare in the country. Recent surveys show that most South Koreans no longer include dog meat in their diets.

What does the law provide?

According to the text, it will be illegal to breed, sell or kill dogs for their meat, with offenses punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won (R$110,000).

“This law aims to contribute to the application of animal rights values, which seek respect for life and harmonious coexistence between humans and animals”, we read in the text.

The law does not provide punishment for the consumption of dog meat.

As of April 2022, the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture estimated that there were approximately 1,100 farms raising 570,000 dogs for their meat, served in approximately 1,600 restaurants across the country.

The producers’ association claims that the veto will affect 3,500 farms that raise 1.5 million dogs. Dog breeders in South Korea plan to protest the measure and appeal to the Constitutional Court.

bl (Reuters, AP, AFP)

Source: Terra

Rose

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