It may be hard to fathom, but the consumption of dog meat still occurs in certain parts of the world, despite widespread condemnation.
Dogs intended for their meat are often strays or stolen pets, confined in cramped conditions until their ultimate fate.
In South Korea, the consumption of dog meat has historical roots but is gradually diminishing in popularity. A growing number of citizens are now denouncing this form of animal cruelty.
Recently, opponents of the dog meat trade found strong support when the President of South Korea indicated his backing for a possible ban on dog consumption.
According to The Guardian, President Moon Jae-in raised the question of a ban during a regular meeting, asking Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, “Isn’t it time to carefully consider banning the consumption of dog meat?”
The president’s stance reflects a broader societal shift against dog meat consumption in South Korea. With more people owning dogs as pets, younger generations now see the practice as unacceptable.
“A growing number of South Koreans now view the consumption of dog meat as a form of animal abuse rather than a tradition,” Jeon Jin-kyung, head of the Korea Animal Rights Advocates, told the Korean Times.
Despite its waning popularity, an approximate one million dogs are still consumed annually, as reported by The Guardian.
While Moon Jae-in has a known affection for dogs, this marks the first time, as per the BBC, that he has proposed a complete ban.
South Korea has a complex legal background regarding dog meat. While a 2018 court ruling deemed killing dogs for meat illegal, there are no laws prohibiting the actual consumption of dog meat.
Nonetheless, there is likely to be substantial backing for a complete ban in the country. As per the BBC, 84% of South Koreans state that they have never consumed and do not intend to consume dog meat, with 59% expressing support for a ban.
Although no legislation has been enacted yet, Moon Jae-in’s remarks have sparked optimism among animal advocates that the era of dog meat consumption in South Korea may be drawing to a close.
We fully support the South Korean president’s initiative – it is undoubtedly time to put an end to dog meat consumption. Share this story if you agree!
