South Korea bans dog meat - 17th January 2024

The South Korean government's introduced a law to ban the selling, killing and farming of dogs for their meat. From 2027, anyone who breaks this law can be sent to prison for up to three years, or be made to pay a $23,000 fine.

Data from the government shows there are over 1,000 dog farms at present, and 1,600 restaurants which sell dog meat dishes. That's why this discussion about the industry has continued for years.

While supporters of animal rights are extremely glad about the government's ban, dog meat farmers and those who sell the meat strongly disagree. The government's offering financial help to those people who are involved. However, many say they're too elderly to switch jobs and they also feel their culture is being destroyed. For some South Koreans, they see choosing to eat dog meat as their right.

While it's been a hard decision, only a tiny percentage of South Koreans actually eat dog meat these days. Dogs have become increasingly popular as pets.

For centuries, dog meat's been consumed in different Asian countries. However, attitudes to the practice have changed. It's already been banned in Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines and now South Korea's next in line.

JungAh Chae, the director of an animal protection society, spoke of having a "dog-friendly future" for her country.