South Korea’s parliament passed a bill on Tuesday prohibiting the production and sale of dog meat. The national assembly overwhelmingly voted to ban the breeding, slaughter, distribution, and sale of dogs for meat, responding to both domestic and international pressure from animal welfare advocates. While the new law does not criminalize the act of consuming dog meat, it effectively puts an end to the practice. The ban, set to be implemented in 2027 after a three-year grace period, received 208 votes in favor with two abstentions. Violators may face imprisonment for up to three years or a maximum fine of 30 million won (R422,000). The legislation also includes compensation packages to support businesses transitioning away from the dog meat industry.
Dog meat consumption in South Korea has long been a contentious issue, with proponents arguing it is rooted in centuries-old traditions and a means to combat fatigue, particularly during hot summers. However, its popularity has dwindled, especially among younger South Koreans who view dogs as domestic pets. A recent survey by the Seoul-based Animal Welfare Awareness, Research, and Education thinktank revealed that over 94% of respondents had not consumed dog meat in the past year, and 93% expressed their intention not to do so in the future.
Despite this decline, the agriculture ministry reported that approximately 1,150 farms still breed dogs for meat, and 1,600 restaurants continue to offer dog meat dishes in South Korea. Animal welfare campaigners have long criticized the industry for its perceived cruelty, such as electrocuting or hanging dogs during the slaughter process. Traders, who previously threatened mass protests against the anticipated ban, claim to have implemented more humane slaughtering methods.
JungAh Chae, the executive director of Humane Society International/Korea, hailed the passing of the bill as a historic moment. She stated, This is history in the making. I never thought I would see in my lifetime a ban on the cruel dog meat industry in South Korea, but this historic win for animals is a testament to the passion and determination of our animal protection movement. Chae expressed both sadness for the dogs who had suffered and joy that South Korea can now progress toward a more dog-friendly future.
The ban on dog meat will undoubtedly have a significant impact on South Korea’s agricultural and culinary landscape. While some proponents of the industry argue that it is an essential part of their heritage, the overwhelming support for the legislation suggests a societal shift in attitudes toward the treatment of animals. South Korea’s decision to embrace animal welfare is expected to reverberate beyond its borders and inspire similar initiatives in other countries.
In recent years, several countries and regions, including Vietnam’s Hoi An, have taken steps to combat the consumption of dog and cat meat. The agreement signed by Hoi An to not sell or consume dog and cat meat aligns with the growing international sentiment against the practice. As global awareness of animal rights and welfare continues to expand, it remains to be seen how other nations will respond to the issue of dog and cat meat consumption. For now, South Korea’s ban on the sale of dog meat marks a significant milestone in the long-fought battle for animal rights.
