As South Korea plans dog meat ban, farmers threaten to flood Seoul with 2 million canines
- Lawmakers from across the aisle have proposed to outlaw the consumption and sale of dog meat, with measures such as a five-year jail term or fines of up to US$38,000
- Animal rights groups welcome the prospect of a ban, hailing it as a victory in their ongoing efforts to end the perceived cruelty associated with the dog meat trade
South Korean dog meat farmers have threatened to release 2 million dogs near the presidential office as the country inches towards legislation that bans the trade.
Eating dog meat has historical roots on the Korean peninsula, often viewed as a method to combat the summer heat, although public opinion of the tradition has shifted in recent decades, with more households keeping dogs as pets and younger people shunning the dish on grounds of animal cruelty.
A bill from the ruling conservative People Power Party proposes a maximum sentence of five years’ jail or 50 million won (US$38,000) in fines for those involved in the dog meat trade, while the liberal Democratic Party of Korea’s bill advocates for three-year jail terms and fines of up to 30 million won.
If enacted, the measures would take effect in 2027, with the government providing financial aid to help businesses transition away from the trade.
Joo Young-bong, head of the Korea Dog Meat Farmers’ Association, earlier this week claimed his group would release 2 million dogs near key governmental locations in Seoul and the homes of lawmakers.
“We’re so outraged that we’re talking about releasing 2 million dogs we’re raising near the presidential office, the agriculture minister’s home and offices of lawmakers who have introduced the bills,” he said.
“Eating dog meat cannot be a crime like trafficking drugs or prostitution,” Joo told a radio news talk show. “Have you ever heard of anyone whose dog meat consumption caused harm to others?”