South Korea Passes Bill Banning Dog Meat Trade, Ending A Century Old Practice

South Korean lawmakers passed a law prohibiting the sale or production of dog meat, a practice that has been done in the country for generations.

Prohibits Breeding, Trading and Sale Dog Meats

The groundbreaking legislation was approved by the National Assembly by a vote of 208-0.

It will become law if it is approved by the State Council and signed by President Yoon Suk-yeol, both of which are deemed formalities given Yoon's government's support for the prohibition.

The measure would make the slaughtering, breeding, trading, and sale of dog meat for human consumption illegal from 2027 and punishable by prison time.

"This law is aimed at contributing to realizing the values of animal rights, which pursue respect for life and a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals," the legislation reads.

Authorities said that farmers and restaurant owners have three years before the legislation takes effect to find alternate sources of employment and income.

According to government figures, South Korea had approximately 1,600 dog meat restaurants and 1,150 dog farms in 2023, all of which will now be required to present a plan to their local authorities to phase down their enterprises.

Animal rights organizations, which have long advocated for the prohibition, applauded the outcome of the vote as this would save the lives of dogs.

Jung Ah Chae, executive director of the Humane Society of Korea, expressed surprise that the prohibition was enacted during her lifetime.

"While my heart breaks for all the millions of dogs for whom this change has come too late, I am overjoyed that South Korea can now close this miserable chapter in our history and embrace a dog friendly future," she said.

Government Support

Dog meat producers had lobbied against the prohibition.

A group of roughly 200 dog breeders for human consumption attended a rally near the presidential office in November, requesting that the bill be repealed.

They contended that, given the practice's diminishing popularity among young people, it should be allowed to die out naturally over time. Many farmers and restaurateurs are elderly and they argued that it would be impossible for them to change careers at their age.

Some elderly South Koreans regard dog meat stew, known as "boshintang," as a delicacy, however the meat has gone out of favor with diners and is no longer popular with young people.

Lee Chae-yeon, a 22-year-old student, said the ban was necessary to promote animal rights.

"More people have pets today. Dogs are like family now and it's not nice to eat our family," she added.

The government has committed to fully support dog meat growers, butchers, and restaurant owners whose enterprises will be forced to close, though the specifics of compensation have yet to be worked out.

Previous governments, dating back to the 1980s, have promised to ban dog meat but have yet to act.

Current President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee are well-known animal lovers; they have six dogs, and they advocated for the abolition of the practice of eating dogs.