A member of the ruling party in South Korea announced today, Friday, that the country is seeking to ban dog meat consumption and end the debate surrounding this ancient practice amid growing awareness of animal rights. The practice of dog eating by Koreans has faced criticism from abroad due to the brutality involved, but it also faces opposition domestically, especially from younger generations.
Yoo Eui-dong, the policy chief of the ruling People Power Party, stated after a meeting with government officials and animal rights advocates, "It is time to end the social disputes and controversy surrounding dog meat consumption by enacting a specific law to put an end to it."
Yoo mentioned that the government and the ruling party will propose a bill for a ban this year, adding that parliament is expected to approve it with anticipated support from both the ruling and opposition parties. During the meeting, Agriculture Minister Jeong Hwang-kyun said the government will implement the ban promptly and provide maximum support possible for those working in the dog meat sector to cease their activities.
First Lady Kim Kyun-hee is one of the most prominent critics of dog meat consumption; she and her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, have adopted stray dogs. Previous attempts by parliament to adopt bills banning dog meat consumption have failed due to protests from those working in the sector and fears of harming the livelihoods of breeders and restaurant owners.
The proposed ban will include a three-year grace period and financial support for businesses to transition to different activities.
