South Korea Plans Ban on Dog Meat

Restaurants serving dog meat are becoming increasingly rare in South Korea, as younger people find dog meat less appetising and pet ownership continues to grow in popularity.

Government Considers Ban

Recent surveys show that a growing number of people oppose a ban on dog meat, even if many do not eat it themselves.

In a statement, seven government departments, including the Ministry of Agriculture, said they had decided to establish a group comprising officials, civilian experts, and representatives of related organisations to make recommendations on a possible ban on the consumption of dog meat. The authorities will collect information on dog farms, restaurants, and other establishments, and will assess public opinion.

«As the number of families with pets has risen rapidly and public interest in animal rights and animal welfare in our country has grown, there are increasing voices saying that it is difficult to regard the consumption of dog meat as simply a traditional food culture», said Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum ahead of the release of the statement.

The government says that the initiative, the first of its kind, does not necessarily guarantee a ban on dog meat. The joint statement notes that «public awareness of the fundamental right (to eat preferred foods) and issues of animal welfare are intertwined in complex ways» when it comes to the consumption of dog meat.

This seemingly vague stance prompted swift protests from both dog breeders and animal welfare organisations.

1 to 1.5 Million Dogs Killed Annually

Farmers say the establishment of the task force is merely a formality intended to shut down their farms and dog meat restaurants, while activists argue that the government’s announcement is not resolute enough in banning the consumption of dog meat.

Lee Won Bok, director of the Korea Association for Animal Protection, called the government's announcement "very disappointing" as it contained no concrete plans for a ban on dog meat consumption.

«We have serious doubts about whether the government is determined to put an end to dog meat consumption", said Lee.

In South Korea, approximately 1 million to 1.5 million dogs are killed for consumption each year, a decline from several million 10 to 20 years ago. Thousands of farmers currently raise a total of 1 to 2 million dogs for meat production in South Korea.

Lee accused many facilities of animal cruelty and other illegal activities in the raising and slaughtering of dogs.

«South Korea is the only developed country where dogs are eaten, which damages our international image", said Lee. "Even though the K-Pop band BTS and the Korean drama Squid Game are ranked number one in the world, foreigners still associate South Korea with dog meat and the Korean War.»

In September, President Moon Jae-in, a dog lover, sparked a new debate when he asked at a meeting with the Prime Minister whether it was time to carefully consider a ban on dog meat consumption.

Dog meat is neither legal nor explicitly prohibited in South Korea.