In a dramatic turn of events, approximately 200 South Korean farmers engaged in the breeding and raising of dogs for human consumption staged a protest on Thursday near the presidential office in Seoul. The farmers vehemently demanded that the government abandon its plan to ban the centuries-old and controversial practice of consuming dog meat.
The rally took a confrontational tone as dozens of farmers attempted to drive trucks carrying caged dogs into the street in front of the presidential office. The intention was to release the dogs at the scene in a symbolic act of resistance. However, their efforts were thwarted by the police, who inspected the cargo, covered with blankets, and prevented the farmers from proceeding.
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ruling party has introduced a bill aimed at banning the breeding and sale of dogs for consumption. The proposed legislation also includes financial compensation for individuals in the industry who are compelled to close their businesses within a three-year grace period. The move is driven by a desire to put an end to the longstanding controversy surrounding the consumption of dog meat.
Support for the ban has been voiced not only by President Yoon’s party but also by the opposition party, which currently holds parliamentary control, and enjoys backing from the public. A growing number of South Korean households, exceeding six million, now own dogs as pets in a country with a population of about 51 million. President Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, are themselves owners of six dogs, including a retired guide dog and a rescue dog.
A Gallup Korea poll conducted last year revealed that almost two-thirds of respondents opposed eating dog meat. Only 8% admitted to having consumed dog meat within the past year, reflecting a significant decline from 27% in 2015.
Ju Yeong-bong, representing an industry group and leading Thursday’s rally, expressed discontent over politicians having the authority to shut down an entire industry or dictate individuals’ dietary choices. Dismissing the notion that consuming dog meat is barbaric, Ju argued that various countries with a tradition of animal husbandry have, at some point, included dogs in their diet.
Farmers participating in the protest asserted that they had been excluded from discussions regarding the bill, and the proposed financial compensation was deemed wholly inadequate, considering the impact on their livelihoods.
As tensions escalated, scuffles broke out between the farmers and the outnumbering police force, leading to the detention of three protesters, including Ju. The chaotic scene underscored the intensity of the disagreement between those seeking to preserve the tradition of dog meat consumption and those advocating for its prohibition.
While the consumption of dog meat has witnessed a decline in popularity, farmers and restaurant owners dedicated to serving this meat have vehemently opposed attempts to make it illegal. Accusations have been leveled against First Lady Kim, a vocal critic of dog meat consumption, for allegedly exerting improper pressure on the government and the ruling party to enforce the ban.
In response, the presidential office emphasized the First Lady’s genuine interest in the issue and pointed to widespread support and consensus, both domestically and internationally, as well as backing from the opposition party. The clash between traditional practices and evolving societal attitudes continues, leaving the fate of dog meat consumption in South Korea uncertain.
