Dog Fighting Association "Eating Freedom Should Not Be Banned by Law... Will Release Dogs in Yongsan" Protest

Ban on Dog Slaughter and Breeding for Food Purposes Starting in 2027

Joo Young-bong, president of the Korea Dog Meat Association, expressed opposition to the passage of a bill banning dog meat consumption in the National Assembly, stating, "There is no history of success anywhere in the world where the government prohibits what people eat."

On the 10th, on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' President Joo said, "Dogs are bred and raised differently depending on their purpose," adding, "An increase in the number of dogs does not mean an increase in income levels. People raise dogs for consumption, so we simply provided that." He continued, "We have complied with all laws and regulations as instructed," and pointed out, "In a free Republic of Korea, can the most basic of citizens' fundamental rights?the right to eat?be prohibited by law?"

He also claimed that consuming dog meat is beneficial to health. He said there has never been a single case of problems arising from eating dog meat; rather, many people have recovered their health and improved their condition by eating it. "Even nowadays, people undergoing cancer treatment or surgery, especially elderly seniors, consume it as a health tonic," he said. He added, "Just yesterday, a young man in his 20s called, crying, saying he had liked dog meat since childhood and had recovered his health thanks to it. I told him that if the law is amended, he won't be able to eat it starting three years later," and reported, "The backlash is significant."

The day before, the National Assembly plenary session passed the 'Special Act on the Termination of Breeding, Slaughter, and Distribution for the Purpose of Dog Meat Consumption' (Dog Meat Ban Act). Accordingly, from 2027, anyone who slaughters, breeds, or breeds dogs for consumption purposes domestically will face up to three years in prison.

Previously, the Dog Meat Association had declared that if the Dog Meat Ban Act were enacted, they would release 2 million dogs in Yongsan, Seoul, where the presidential office is located. President Joo said, "We will do everything possible, including dog return campaigns," adding, "If they continue to push to kill without any compensation, we will interpret it as a call to release the dogs." He further stated, "After about six months, those involved in dog breeding will inevitably be driven to extreme situations, and an unfortunate incident where dogs must be released will occur."

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