Animal Protection Organizations: "The First Step Toward a Dog Meat-Free Korea"

'Ban on Dog Meat Consumption' Passed in National Assembly Plenary Session

As the special law banning dog meat consumption passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 9th, domestic and international animal protection organizations and activists unanimously welcomed it. The 'Special Act on Ending the Breeding, Slaughter, and Distribution of Dogs for the Purpose of Consumption,' passed at the plenary session that day, prohibits breeding or raising dogs for consumption purposes, slaughtering them, and distributing or selling foods cooked or processed using dogs or dog-derived ingredients.

Those who slaughter dogs for consumption purposes face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won, and those who breed, raise, or distribute dogs face imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won. Dog farm owners, dog meat slaughter and distribution merchants, and restaurant owners must report their facilities and business details to the heads of local governments, and the state or local governments are required to support the closure or business transition of reported operators. The prohibitions on breeding, slaughtering, distribution, and the penalty provisions for violations will take effect three years after the law is promulgated.

Animal Liberation Wave stated, "We hope the legislated end to dog meat consumption will be implemented as quickly as possible," adding, "The three-year grace period, considering the realities of industry workers, is not a time to overlook existing illegal activities in the industry. Support must be accompanied by enforcement to promptly induce the industry's closure or transition." They also urged, "We hope the end of dog meat consumption will be carried out as justly as possible," emphasizing, "For dogs, the greatest victims of the industry, a new life opportunity must be guaranteed rather than a painful death." According to government estimates in 2022, over 520,000 dogs exist across approximately 1,150 farms nationwide. Ignoring these dogs makes it impossible to discuss the absolute end of dog meat consumption.

The organization said, "The journey toward a 'Korea without dog meat consumption' not only liberates dogs but can also serve as a starting point presenting different standards and futures for other species subjected to industrial exploitation, such as cattle, pigs, and chickens."

Members of an animal protection group are holding anti-dog meat signs in front of a Bosintang restaurant in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Animal Rights Group Kara said, "The long-standing dog meat consumption, which seriously undermined animal welfare in our society, has ended," calling it "a meaningful moment rewriting the history of animal protection in Korea."

Chae Jeong-ah, CEO of Humane Society International Korea (Korea HSI), said, "This is a moment when history is being made for animal welfare. The majority of the public has rejected dog meat consumption and earnestly wished for the end of the dog meat industry, and now it feels like that earnest hope has finally been realized, like a dream. We thank the policymakers whose resolute decisions have expedited the end of dog meat consumption. Although my heart aches thinking of the millions of dogs sacrificed so far, I am very pleased that Korea can now close this tragic chapter in history and welcome a dog-friendly future." Korea HSI urged the government to cooperate with animal protection organizations, including Korea HSI, to rescue as many dogs as possible during the three-year grace period.

HSI headquarters also stated in a CEO statement, "This is a monumental day we have long awaited in our efforts to end Korea's painful dog meat industry. We are well aware of the countless animals enduring suffering and deprivation under the name of industry when visiting dog farms," adding, "Thankfully, the historic moment signaling the end of this era has arrived, and we are ready to contribute our expertise in closing dog farms until every dog on these farms is gone."

HSI said, "Korea has joined the list of countries and regions banning dog meat trade across Asia, alongside Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, India, Thailand, Singapore, and China's Shenzhen and Zhuhai cities, Cambodia's Siem Reap, and 45 cities and regions in Indonesia."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.