South Korea Parliament Bans Dog Meat Consumption

South Korea’s parliament passed a bill to end dog meat consumption in the country through a unanimous vote on Tuesday. President Yoon Suk Yeol has pledged to stop killing dogs for meat in the country.

The new law to end dog meat consumption was voted 208-0 in the South Korea’s National Assembly, with two abstentions. This new law will put restrictions on breeding, butchering and sale of dog meat for consumption.

Violation of this law and dog slaughtering for food purposes will invite imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won. Breeding dogs for consumption is punishable by imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine of up to 20 million won.

This law will be put into use in 2027 after a three-year grace period. The new legislation offers financial support to those in the dog meat industry to help them switch professions.

Consumption of dog meat in South Korea faced international criticism as it involved killing of the dogs through bludgeoning, hanging and electrocution.

Earlier attempts to ban dog meat consumption in South Korea had failed due to strong protests of dog farmers and restaurant owners.

According to official data, there are around 1600 dog meat serving restaurants and 1150 dog farms in South Korea, reported Yonhap News.