Dog meat consumption is an ancient practice that has faced controversy from both local South Korean activists and international activists. While it is heavily restricted and not too common in South Korea, it has remained legal. Lawmakers passed a new law that will ban the production and sale of dog meat completely by 2027, but not eating dogs.
Update January 8, 2024: South Korean lawmakers passed a law in which people who slaughter dogs can face a prison sentence of up to 3 years, and people who raise or sell dogs for meat could serve a maximum of 2 years. However, the consumption of dog meat will not be illegal.
The government of South Korea plans to pass a law to ban dog meat production and consumption by 2027, which would end years of a traditional but declining practice in the country.
The custom of consuming dog meat has ancient and traditional roots in South Korea and different countries in the region. If the planned ban goes through, the traditional but controversial practice would have a three-year grace period, with dog meat planned to be banned entirely by 2027.
The government has also stated that there will be financial support for businesses and farmers to transition out of the trade.
Dog meat has been heavily restricted but has remained legal in South Korea. Previous governments had made attempts to stop the practice, but did not manage. Anti-dog meat bills have failed in the past due protests by those in the dog meat industry, and concerns for the livelihoods of farmers and restaurant owners.
The centuries-old practice is not popular amongst most young Koreans, and has faced international criticism from international rights activists. While it has never been a major part of the cuisine, it has historical ties to the region and was viewed as a delicacy for a time period.
Eating dog meat is much less common than it used to be in South Korea, however it is still eaten by some people from older generations and served in certain restaurants.
A Gallup Korea poll from 2022 showed that 64% of those surveyed opposed dog meat consumption. The survey found only 8% of respondents had eaten dog within the past year, down from 27% in 2015, which was a quick decrease in 7 years.
Member of the National Assembly, Yu Eui-dong, stated: “We are planning to enact a Special Act to ban dog meat within this year to address this issue as soon as possible,” after a meeting at parliament that was attended by the Agriculture Ministry officials and animal rights groups. He also added that he was confident that the bill would pass with bipartisan support.
The new law would require dog farms, slaughterers, traders and restaurants to each submit a phaseout plan to local authorities.
Yoon Suk Yeol, the president of South Korea, and the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, are known as animal lovers, having stray dogs and cats. First Lady Kim attended an animal rights event back in August. The First Lady has also been a vocal critic of dog meat consumption.
Joo Young-bong, chairman of the Korea Meat Dog Association, opposes the potential of an upcoming ban, and told Korean news sources: “For the sake of political power, human rights have been trampled and the people’s right to food has been taken away.”
According to a government study last year, South Korea has about 1,150 dog farms and over half a million dogs raised for meat, a significantly smaller figure than decades ago. There are also 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution companies, and 1,600 restaurants serving dog meat.
The declining demand for dog meat reflects a shift in public perception, growing pet ownership in South Korea has led to increased incentives for a ban on dog meat. As part of the potential ban, dogs will be excluded from the Livestock Act, in which they are currently registered as livestock, and will be recognized as companion animals.
