Parliament Permanently Bans Dog Meat Eating Tradition, Signaling Dramatic Shift Towards Compassion & Animal Rights!

In a groundbreaking move, South Korea has officially banned the consumption of dog meat, a practice deeply rooted in the country’s history but increasingly rejected by its citizens. The decision, hailed as a momentous step toward a more compassionate society, comes after years of fervent debate and activism.

Executive director of Humane Society International/Korea, JungAh Chae, expressed her joy at the decisive action taken by policymakers to consign the suffering of dogs to the annals of history. “Korean citizens reject eating dogs and want to see this suffering consigned to the history books,” she stated, emphasizing the significance of the policy change.

The shift in public sentiment is reflected in a recent survey by Seoul-based think tank Animal Welfare Awareness, Research, and Education, revealing that nine out of 10 South Koreans would not consider eating dog meat in the future. This marks a significant departure from traditional practices, with hopes of embracing a more dog-friendly future.

Animal Liberation Wave, an activist group, described the vote as a pioneering decision globally, suggesting that it could set the stage for the protection of rights for other animals. “The journey towards a ‘dog meat-free Republic of Korea’ can be a starting point for not only liberating dogs, but also presenting different standards and a future for other species of animals that are subject to industrial exploitation,” the group stated.

While the new law provides compensation for businesses transitioning out of the dog meat trade, previous attempts to ban dog meat faced opposition from farmers deeply involved in breeding dogs for consumption. Approximately 1,100 dog farms across the country breed hundreds of thousands of dogs annually, served in various restaurants.

Dog meat consumption, often considered a summertime delicacy, has deep cultural roots in South Korea. However, the new legislation signals a turning point, putting an end to a practice that has faced growing criticism both domestically and internationally.

This historic decision not only marks progress in animal rights but also raises questions about the treatment of other animals subjected to industrial exploitation, such as cows, pigs, and chickens. The ban on dog meat consumption is seen as a transformative step toward a more humane future for animals in South Korea.