South Korea has recently approved a new law with the goal of putting an end to the slaughter and trade of dogs for meat by 2027, targeting the centuries-old practice of consuming dog meat. The consumption of dog meat has significantly declined, particularly among younger generations.
Under this legislation, the raising and slaughtering of dogs for consumption, as well as the distribution and sale of dog meat, will be prohibited. Violators may face imprisonment, with those involved in butchering dogs potentially facing up to three years behind bars, while those raising or selling dogs for meat could be sentenced to a maximum of two years. It’s important to note that the act of consuming dog meat itself will not be deemed illegal.
The new law is set to take effect in three years, allowing farmers and restaurant owners time to transition to alternative sources of employment and income. They are required to submit plans to phase out their businesses to local authorities. The government has assured full support for those affected by the ban, although specific details regarding compensation remain to be finalized.
As of 2023, South Korea had approximately 1,600 dog meat restaurants and 1,150 dog farms, according to government statistics. Despite dog meat stew, known as “boshintang,” being considered a delicacy by some older South Koreans, its popularity has waned, with only 8% of people having tried dog meat in the past year, down from 27% in 2015, according to a Gallup poll.
While some individuals, like 86-year-old Kim Seon-ho, express disappointment over the ban, citing the tradition of consuming dog meat since the Middle Ages, others, such as 22-year-old student Lee Chae-yeon, view it as a necessary step to promote animal rights in a society where dogs are increasingly seen as family members.
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President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, known animal lovers, have advocated for an end to the practice. Past governments had promised to ban dog meat without making significant progress. Animal rights groups, celebrating the recent vote, emphasize the positive shift towards a more dog-friendly future.
Despite the opposition from some dog meat farmers, who argued for a natural phase-out due to declining popularity, the ban is seen as a landmark decision. Critics argue that it infringes on personal freedom, while supporters emphasize the importance of evolving cultural attitudes toward animal welfare.