South Korean lawmakers achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday by passing a historic ban on the production and sale of dog meat for human consumption.
The parliamentary vote, with a unanimous 208-0 decision, marks the culmination of decades of activism against the centuries-old practice.
The ban, slated to take effect in 2027, includes a three-year transition period, allowing dog farmers and restaurants to either repurpose or close their businesses.
This victory is a triumph for animal rights activists who have long opposed the tradition of consuming dog meat, particularly in stews.
David Fields, a professor and director for the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, noted that the consumption of dog meat, tied to traditional Korean medicine, has not found favor among younger South Koreans for several generations.
Law Targets Dog Ingredients in Food Industry Sales
The legislation will prohibit the sale and distribution of food items containing dog ingredients, with a focus on the industry rather than consumers.
Those involved in slaughtering dogs for consumption could face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million Korean won (approximately $23,000).
Breeding dogs for consumption, acquiring, transporting, storing, or selling dog-derived food may result in lesser fines and prison terms.
The law grants a three-year transition period for farm owners, dog meat restaurants, and industry workers to adapt or cease operations.
The bill awaits final approval from President Yoon Suk Yeol after receiving bipartisan support and backing from First Lady Kim Keon Hee.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, there are approximately 1,100 dog farms in South Korea dedicated to food production, raising around half a million dogs.
However, this practice has faced increasing criticism from animal rights activists, including international groups such as Humane Society International (HSI), which works to rescue dogs from South Korean farms and relocate them abroad.
The consumption of dog meat has significantly decreased in South Korea, particularly among younger, urban demographics, as pet ownership has become more prevalent.
Legislation Sparks Backlash from Dog Farmers
However, the proposed legislation has encountered strong opposition from dog farmers and business proprietors who argue that it will severely impact their livelihoods and longstanding traditions.
In November, numerous dog farmers and breeders assembled outside the presidential office in Seoul to express their opposition to the bill.
Some of them brought caged farmed dogs, intending to release them at the scene.
Confrontations occurred between the farmers and the police, leading to the detention of some protesters.