South Korea’s parliament approved a bill on Monday to end the practice of eating and selling dog meat, a move that outlawed the centuries-old practice.
According to Reuters, support for the ban has grown under President Yoon Suk Yeol, an animal lover who adopted six dogs and eight cats with First Lady Kim Keon Hee.
Eating dog meat was once considered a way to improve stamina in Korean society. However, it has now become a rarity, eaten mostly by the elderly, as more and more Koreans regard dogs as family pets and criticize the killing of dogs.
Activists say most dogs are electrocuted or hanged when slaughtered for meat, although breeders and traders argue progress has been made to make the slaughter more humane.
The bill was introduced by the ruling party and, after being approved by the Agriculture Committee, passed the unicameral parliament with an overwhelming majority of 208 votes.
The legislation will enter into force after a three-year grace period. Violation of the law would be punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won ($22,800).
In a statement provided by a member of animal welfare group Humane Society International Korea Borami Seo said: “The bill would see an end to the breeding and killing of dogs for human consumption, we have reached a crucial point to save millions of dogs from this cruel industry.”
The draft law also includes compensation for entrepreneurs so that they can move out of business.
The Korea Edible Dog Association, a coalition of breeders and sellers, said the ban would affect 3,500 farms that raise 1.5 million dogs, as well as 3,000 restaurants.
