World
South Korea Bans Centuries-Old Practice Of Dog Meat Consumption As Parliament Passes Bill With Overwhelming Support
Bhuvan Krishna
Jan 09, 2024, 03:04 PM | Updated 03:04 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
South Korea's Parliament recently passed a bill to prohibit the consumption and sale of dog meat, signaling the end of a centuries-old practice as reported by Hindustan Times.
This legislative move reflects a changing societal perspective on animal welfare, with an increasing number of Koreans considering dogs as integral family members.
The consumption of dog meat, traditionally seen as a way to boost stamina in the humid Korean summer, has gradually declined over the years, particularly among younger generations.
One factor contributing to the decline in dog meat consumption is criticism of the methods used in slaughtering dogs, such as electrocution or hanging.
The bill, proposed by the ruling party, received overwhelming support in the single-chamber parliament, securing 208 votes with two abstentions after approval by the bipartisan agriculture committee.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, known for his affection for animals and having adopted six dogs and eight cats with First Lady Kim Keon Hee, played a significant role in garnering support for the ban.
The legislation, aimed at promoting the values of animal rights and a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals, is set to take effect after a three-year grace period. Violations could lead to up to three years in prison or fines of 30 million won ($22,800).
Traders have acknowledged progress in adopting more humane slaughtering practices, and the bill also addresses compensation for businesses transitioning away from the dog meat trade. Despite prior unsuccessful attempts to ban dog meat due to opposition from the industry, the current bill aims to navigate these challenges.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Bhuvan Krishna is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.