South Korea is about to ban the consumption of dog meat.

The age-old Korean custom of eating dog meat has drawn criticism from abroad and is facing increasing opposition domestically, particularly from the younger generation.

Dogs during a rescue operation in Hongseong County, South Korea, in February 2019. Photo: Getty

Yu Eui-dong, head of policy at the ruling People Power Party, said at a meeting with government officials: “It is time to end the social conflict and controversy surrounding the consumption of dog meat by enacting a special law to put an end to it.”

Yu said that the South Korean government and the ruling party will introduce a bill this year to enforce the ban, adding that with bipartisan support, the bill will soon be passed in the South Korean National Assembly .

Minister of Agriculture Chung Hwang Keun stated at the meeting that the South Korean government would quickly implement the ban and provide maximum possible support to those in the dog meat production industry to close their businesses.

First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been a vocal critic of dog meat consumption and, along with her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, has adopted stray dogs.

Previous bills to ban dog meat have failed due to opposition from industry insiders and concerns about the livelihoods of farmers and restaurant owners. The upcoming ban will include a three-year grace period and financial support for businesses to move out of the industry.

Eating dog meat is a long-standing custom on the Korean Peninsula and is considered a way to ward off the summer heat. However, the practice has become much less common than before, although it is still eaten by some older people and served in some restaurants.

Animal rights groups welcomed the prospect of the ban. Humane Society International said in a statement: “A dream come true for all of us who have campaigned tirelessly to end this cruelty.”

According to government figures, there are approximately 1,150 dog breeding farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution companies, and around 1,600 restaurants serving dog meat in South Korea.

A Gallup Korea poll last year showed that 64% opposed the consumption of dog meat. The survey found that only 8% of respondents had eaten dog meat in the past year, down from 27% in 2015.

Huy Hoang (according to Reuters, Yonhap)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/han-quoc-sap-cam-an-thit-cho-post272960.html