The South Korean parliament approved a bill on Tuesday to prohibit the consumption and sale of dog meat, a move that would end this controversial practice that has persisted for centuries amid growing support for animal welfare. Eating dog meat was previously seen as a way to enhance endurance during Korea's humid summers, but it has become rare and is mostly limited to some elderly individuals, amid increasing criticism of how dogs are slaughtered.
The bill, proposed by the ruling party, was approved by a significant majority, receiving 208 votes in favor, with two members abstaining in the single-chamber parliament, after it was endorsed by the agriculture committee on Monday. The legislation will come into effect after a three-year grace period. Violations of the law could result in imprisonment for up to three years or fines of 30 million won (about $22,800). The Korean Association for Edible Dogs, a coalition of breeders and sellers, stated that the ban would affect 3,500 farms raising 1.5 million dogs, as well as three thousand restaurants.
