A bill banning the centuries-old tradition of eating and selling dog meat was approved by the South Korean parliament on Monday.
Under President Yoon Suk Yeol, an animal enthusiast who has adopted six dogs and eight cats with First Lady Kim Keon Hee, support for the ban has reportedly strengthened, according to Reuters.
In the past, eating dog flesh was thought to increase stamina in Korean culture. However, as many Koreans view dogs as family pets and object to dog slaughter, it has become rare and is primarily consumed by older people.
While breeders and dealers contend that progress has been made in making the killing of dogs for meat less cruel, activists claim that the majority of dogs are electrocuted or hanged during the process.
After being authorized by the agriculture committee, the bill was brought forward by the ruling party and passed by a resounding majority of 208 votes in the unicameral parliament.
There will be a three-year grace period before the legislation becomes operative. Violations of the law might result in fines of up to 30 million won ($22,800) or three years in prison.
In a statement, humane organization International Korea member Borami Seo, an advocate for animal welfare, stated: “The bill would see an end to the breeding and killing of dogs for human consumption, we have reached a pivotal point to spare millions of dogs from this cruel industry.”
In order to allow companies to exit the industry, the bill also provides compensation for them.
3,500 farms that raise 1.5 million dogs and 3,000 restaurants will be impacted by the prohibition, according to the Korean Association of Edible Dogs, a consortium of breeders and merchants.
