South Korea passes law banning sale and production of dog meat
Rare bipartisan support 'highlights changing attitudes' as young people shun centuries-old tradition
![Animal rights activists celebrate outside the National Assembly, Seoul, 9 January 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/M8Ft69C4aaKnrZMBChKQN3-415-80.jpg)
South Korea has passed a law banning the breeding and slaughter of dogs for human consumption.
The bill, which passed on Tuesday with near unanimous support in parliament, will take effect after a three-year grace period. From 2027, those who breed, butcher, distribute or sell dog meat for human consumption could face up to three years in jail or a fine of up to 30 million won (£18,000). Eating dog meat itself will still be legal, however.
The legislation ends a centuries-old tradition that has become hugely controversial both domestically and around the world. CNN said the rare bipartisan support the bill received across South Korea's divided political landscape highlighted "how attitudes toward eating dog have transformed over the past few decades during the country's rapid industrialization".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Government statistics show that there are more than 1,000 dog farms and about 1,600 restaurants selling dog meat dishes. Animal rights activists estimate that at the industry's peak nearly one million dogs were killed for human consumption each year.
Yet while dog meat stew, known as "boshintang", is considered a delicacy among some older South Koreans, a recent survey found that 93% of respondents had no intention of eating dog meat. With many other Asian countries outlawing the practice, increasing public opposition, fuelled by animal cruelty concerns, has sharpened over the years and sparked a "heated national debate", said Time.
Previous proposals to outlaw the practice have been stymied by fierce opposition from dog meat farmers and sellers, "who have even scuffled with police during protests" in November, reported the magazine.
Speaking to the BBC, some elderly farmers and restaurateurs said it would be difficult for them to switch livelihoods so late in life and they argued that, given the declining popularity among young people, the practice should be allowed to die out naturally over time.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Charlotte Dujardin and equestrianism's dark side
In the Spotlight Olympic gold medallist and dressage star's suspension over horse whipping brings abuse in horse sports back into the spotlight
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why Roman epic Those About to Die has split the critics
Talking Point Sword and sandals miniseries starring Anthony Hopkins puts spectacle above story
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Why is China stockpiling resources?
The Explainer The superpower has been amassing huge reserves of commodities at great cost despite its economic downturn
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Make a splash at these 8 refreshing water parks
The Week Recommends Cool off while having a blast
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Tall Tales: thousands slip in Gloucestershire cheese-rolling race
Tall Tales The Week's round-up of the latest odd news
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
What is South Korea's 4B movement and could it take off in the West?
Under The Radar Believing Korean men 'beyond redemption' some women are swearing off them completely
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published