South Korea bans dog meat - 17th January 2024

A new law to ban the farming and killing of dogs for their meat has just been passed by South Korea's parliament. The law means that from 2027, those who breed, butcher or trade in dog meat for human consumption can be sentenced to three years behind bars or be fined nearly $23,000.

Government statistics suggest there are currently more than 1,000 dog farms and 1,600 restaurants serving up dog meat dishes for customers. This illustrates why the country's dog meat trade has been at the centre of debate for decades.

While animal rights' activists are over the moon, there's strong opposition to the ban from those in the dog meat industry itself. To assist those affected to make the necessary changes, the government's promised financial support. Yet many people feel it's too late for them to change livelihoods. They feel bitter about the destruction of their country's historic traditions. Some even argue it's a human right to be able to decide what to consume.

Despite the furious debate, only a minority of the 52 million Korean population actually eat dog meat, with people preferring to keep dogs as pets.

Although considered a local speciality across Asia for centuries, the custom's already been outlawed in Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines and elsewhere.

JungAh Chae, executive director of the Humane Society International in Korea commented, "I am overjoyed that South Korea can now close this miserable chapter in our history and embrace a dog-friendly future."