The Korean Dog Meat Trade: A Changing Landscape

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Street Vendor in Jeju-si South Korea
Credit: pexels.com, Street Vendor in Jeju-si South Korea

The Korean dog meat trade has been a topic of controversy for many years. The industry is estimated to be worth around $1.4 billion annually.

In South Korea, dog meat is considered a specialty food, known as "boshintang" or "gaegogi". This is a traditional soup made with dog meat and other ingredients.

Dog meat is primarily consumed during the summer months when it is believed to have health benefits, such as reducing fever.

South Korea's Actions

The South Korean assembly has taken a significant step towards ending the dog meat trade by unanimously passing a bill to ban eating and selling of dog meat.

The new law prohibits slaughtering, breeding, trading, and selling of dog meat for human consumption starting in 2027, with violators facing penalties of two to three years of imprisonment or a fine up to 30 million Korean Won, or about $2,300.

Farms that used to raise dogs for meat are required to report their operating status within three months and come up with a plan to close their facilities within six months.

South Korea Bans Consumption

Credit: youtube.com, South Korea bans selling dog meat for consumption, ending controversial practice

South Korea has made a significant move towards animal welfare by banning the consumption of dog meat. The national assembly unanimously passed a bill to prohibit eating and selling dog meat, starting in 2027.

Violators of the new law will face penalties of two to three years of imprisonment or a fine up to 30 million Korean Won, which is about $2,300. This law also bans the opening of new farms, slaughterhouses, or restaurants that handle dog meat.

Farms that used to raise dogs for meat are required to report to local government about their operating status within three months after the legislation passes and hand in a plan for facility closure within six months. This will help the government track and close down dog meat farms.

Most South Korean citizens have rejected eating dog meat, with 86% having little to no intention of consuming it. A survey conducted by Nielson Korea commissioned by Humane Society International/Korea found that 57% of citizens supported a ban on the dog meat industry.

If this caught your attention, see: Dog Meat in Korean

Credit: youtube.com, South Korea bans sale and consumption of dog meat

The government will continue to communicate with dog meat farm owners and come up with support measures to help them transition to a new business. This is a crucial step in ensuring that those affected by the ban are supported during the transition.

The ban on dog meat consumption is a significant victory for animal welfare advocates, who have been campaigning for the ban for years. It's a testament to the growing awareness and concern for animal welfare in South Korea.

Friend or Food? Cruel South Korea

South Korea's Actions have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, and one of the most disturbing trends is the way they treat their animals. They have a notorious dog meat trade, where over 1 million dogs are consumed annually.

The dog meat trade is a cruel and inhumane practice that involves the slaughter of dogs for food. Many of these dogs are stolen pets, and some are even killed while still alive.

Smiling People Buying Food from Vendor
Credit: pexels.com, Smiling People Buying Food from Vendor

In addition to the dog meat trade, South Korea is also known for its live chicken markets, where chickens are hung from hooks and sold to customers. This practice is a major public health risk, as it allows for the spread of diseases like bird flu.

The country's live chicken markets are a stark contrast to the more modern and humane chicken farms found in many other parts of the world. These farms prioritize animal welfare and use more sanitary practices to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Animal welfare organizations have been working tirelessly to raise awareness about these issues and push for change in South Korea. Their efforts have been met with resistance, but they remain committed to improving the lives of animals in the country.

Here's an interesting read: Is Chicken Meat Good for Dogs

South Korea's Parliament

South Korea's Parliament has made a significant move towards ending the dog meat trade.

The parliament passed a Bill to ban the eating and selling of dog meat on January 9.

Credit: youtube.com, South Korea parliament passes bill banning dog meat trade • FRANCE 24 English

The Bill was proposed by the ruling party and received rare bipartisan support.

It was passed with an overwhelming 208 votes and two abstentions in the single-chamber parliament.

This legislation has a three-year grace period before it takes effect.

The breeding and slaughtering of dogs for meat will be punishable by up to three years in prison or 30 million won (US$22,800) in fines.

The Bill does not stipulate any penalties for eating dog meat per se.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, an animal lover, has been a key figure in pushing for the ban.

Changing the Future for South Korean Dogs

Huge effort and funding will be required to ban the dog meat trade in South Korea, but it's a crucial step towards a more compassionate future for the country's dogs.

The scale of the industry is staggering, with an estimated 2 million dogs involved in the meat trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adopt a dog from a Korean meat farm?

Visit Jindo Love Rescue at jindoloverescue.org to see adoptable dogs from Korean meat farms and learn about the adoption process

Is the dog meat trade still going on?

Yes, the dog meat trade is still active in several countries in 2024, despite efforts to stop it. Learn more about where the trade persists and which countries have outlawed it.

What is a dog meat survivor?

A dog meat survivor is a dog rescued from the dog meat trade, where they were raised to be consumed by humans. These survivors have been adopted into loving families and are now living happy lives.

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.

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