1 of 1 FILE: 57 dogs are rescued from a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea Photo: Sammy Dallal/AP/Humane Society International ARCHIVE: 57 dogs are rescued from a dog meat farm in Hongseong, South Korea Photo: Sammy Dallal/AP/Humane Society International
The South Korean Parliament passed this Tuesday (9) a law banning the consumption of dog meat. The new regulation is not due to come into force until 2027 and will punish offenders with a prison sentence of two years or a fine of the equivalent of R$110,000.
The project was supported by the ruling party and opposition parliamentarians. The proposal would ban the breeding, slaughter, distribution or sale of dogs for human consumption.
People who work in this industry receive government subsidies to get new jobs.
Dog meat consumption has declined in South Korea in recent decades and is more common among older people.
Additionally, the animal welfare awareness movement has grown in the country.
A survey published by the organization Animal Welfare Awareness found that more than 90% of respondents have not eaten dog meat in the past year and do not intend to consume such products in the future.
According to the state agency Yonhap, there are around 1,150 dog breeding farms in South Korea. In addition, 34 butchers, 219 retailers and around 1,600 restaurants sell food made from dog meat.
On the other hand, the South Korean association representing the dog meat industry said the ban would affect 3,500 farms with 1.5 million dogs as well as 3,000 restaurants.
Support for the project grew during the administration of current President Yoon Sukyeol, who adopted six dogs and eight cats. First Lady Kim Keon Hee is also known to be critical of the consumption of dog meat.
Some attempts to pass the project have failed in the past. In November 2023, a group of around 200 dog breeders protested near the presidential office demanding the bill be repealed.