South Korea has passed a law making the slaughter and sale of dogs for their meat illegal.
The legislation, set to be enforced by 2027, aims to put an end to the centuries-old tradition of consuming dog meat.
Although the consumption of dog meat itself remains legal under the new law, the focus is on eliminating the dog meat trade.
Those found guilty of butchering dogs could face up to three years in prison, while individuals convicted of raising dogs for meat or selling dog meat may serve a maximum of two years.
Diners’ preferences have shifted, with the once-popular dog meat stew, known as “boshintang,” losing favor among younger generations.
Last year’s Gallup poll revealed a decline in those who had tried dog meat in the past 12 months, dropping from 27% in 2015 to only 8%.
Less than a fifth of respondents expressed support for the consumption of dog meat.
The law allows a transition period of three years for farmers and restaurant owners to explore alternative sources of employment and income.
South Korea, which had approximately 1,600 dog meat restaurants and 1,150 dog farms in 2023, requires these establishments to submit plans to phase out their businesses to local authorities.
The government promises full support to those affected by the ban, including farmers, butchers, and restaurant owners, but specific details regarding compensation are yet to be finalized.
Animal rights advocates applauded the outcome, emphasizing the importance of promoting animal rights.
A 22-year-old student, Lee Chae-yeon, stated, “Dogs are like family now, and it’s not nice to eat our family.”
While the generational divide is evident, with some older individuals expressing disappointment at the ban, the younger population’s evolving attitudes towards pets have played a significant role in the changing landscape.
President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, known animal lovers, have called for an end to the practice of eating dogs.
Despite resistance from dog meat farmers, who argued for a natural phase-out due to declining popularity among the youth, the law’s passage marks a significant step toward ending the dog meat trade in South Korea.