South Korea’s parliament passed a bill on Monday ending the practice of eating and selling dog meat, a move that has banned the centuries-old practice.
According ReutersSupport for the ban had 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 seen as a way to improve stamina in Korean society. But it has now become a rarity, consumed mainly by older people, as more and more Koreans regard dogs as family pets and criticize dog slaughter.
Activists say most dogs are electrocuted or hanged when slaughtered for meat, although breeders and traders argue there have been advances in making slaughter more humane.
The bill was introduced by the ruling party and passed by an overwhelming majority of 208 votes in the unicameral parliament after it was approved by the agriculture committee.
The legislation will come into effect after a three-year grace period. Violating the law would be punishable by up to three years in prison or 30 million won ($22,800) in fines.
In a statement given by a member of the animal protection group, the international humane society Korea Borami Seo said: “The bill would end the breeding and slaughter of dogs for human consumption. We have reached a crucial point to save millions of dogs from this cruel industry.”
The bill also includes compensation for companies so they can leave the sector.
The Korean Edible Dog Association, a coalition of breeders and sellers, said the ban will affect 3,500 farms raising 1.5 million dogs, as well as 3,000 restaurants.
