In a landmark move, South Korea’s parliament has passed a bill making it illegal to breed, slaughter, and sell dogs for human consumption, marking a significant victory for animal rights advocates who have tirelessly campaigned for this change. The near-unanimous vote, with 208 lawmakers in the National Assembly supporting the bill and only two abstentions, underscores a cultural and political shift in South Korea regarding the consumption of dog meat. Once a prevalent menu item, dog meat has faced declining popularity amid rising pet ownership and growing concerns over animal welfare.
The cultural transformation in South Korea regarding dog meat consumption is evident in the results of a Gallup Korea survey conducted in 2022, where over 60 percent of South Koreans expressed unfavorable views towards consuming dog meat. The survey also revealed a substantial decline in dog meat consumption, with only 8 percent admitting to having eaten dog meat in the previous year, down from 27 percent in 2015. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger generations, reflecting changing attitudes towards animal welfare.
After the resounding vote in the National Assembly, activists celebrated the passage of the bill as a historic moment for the country. JungAh Chae, executive director of Humane Society International Korea, expressed her astonishment, stating, “I never thought I would see in my lifetime a ban on the cruel dog meat industry in South Korea.” The pivotal legislation reflects a tipping point where a majority of Korean citizens reject the practice of eating dogs.
Under the new law, the ban on trading dog meat will be enforced starting in 2027. Violations, such as slaughtering dogs for consumption, may result in penalties of up to three years in prison or fines of 30 million South Korean won (approximately $22,800). Breeding and selling dogs for human consumption could incur penalties of up to two years in prison or fines of 20 million won (about $15,200). Notably, the bill does not criminalize the act of eating dog meat.
Businesses involved in breeding, slaughtering, and selling dogs will be eligible for government compensation if they submit plans to local authorities outlining their transition away from the industry. Animal rights groups, including Humane Society International Korea, have assisted dog farmers in transitioning to alternative livelihoods, such as cultivating crops like blueberries, medicinal herbs, or parsley.
Despite the legislative victory, some dog farmers are planning to challenge the bill’s constitutionality in South Korea’s constitutional court. Farmers argue that the ban would deprive them of their livelihoods and infringe on individuals’ rights. Opposition from the dog meat industry has been a historical obstacle to previous attempts to outlaw dog meat in South Korea.
Animal rights groups believe that public attitudes have shifted, attributing the change to an increase in pet ownership. According to the Agriculture Ministry, the number of pet dogs in South Korea rose to 3.02 million in 2022, up from 1.3 million in 2018. This shift in perception was also supported by South Korea’s President, Yoon Suk Yeol, and the First Lady, Kim Keon Hee, both known for their advocacy of animal rights.
South Korea’s prohibition on the dog meat trade represents a monumental step towards aligning the nation’s practices with evolving cultural norms and global standards of animal welfare. The legislative victory signals a turning point in the nation’s stance on the consumption of dog meat, marking a historic moment that resonates with changing public attitudes and a growing emphasis on the ethical treatment of animals.
