South Korea passed a law banning the sale of dog meat.
The bill was passed on Tuesday and will prevent the breeding, breeding and sale of dogs for their meat, which has been a practice in the country for centuries.
According to BBC News, the law will come into effect in 2027. Under the new law, the consumption of dog meat will not be criminalized. Instead, the law focuses on the breeding and sale of dogs as food.
Under the new law, anyone found guilty of slaughtering dogs could face up to three years in prison, while those who breed dogs for food or sell dog meat could serve a maximum of two years or pay up to 30 million won ($22,800) in fines , according to NBC News.
The South Korean government is giving dog breeders and restaurants that sell dog meat until 2027 to find a new source of income or switch their operations to a dog-meat-free business, according to a media release.
The government has also promised to help dog meat farmers, butchers and restaurant owners as they close or relocate their businesses under the new law, although the exact details of the plan are still being debated.
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According to AP, the country’s National Assembly passed the law with 208 votes in favor and 0 votes against. It was also endorsed by the Cabinet Council and is set to be signed by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has six dogs and also supports the ban.
Animal rights activists in Seoul.
AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon
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“This law aims to contribute to the realization of the value of animal rights, which strive for respect for life and harmonious coexistence between humans and animals,” the law states, reports AP.
“This is history in the making,” JungAh Chae, executive director of Humane Society International Korea, said in a statement to NBC News.
“I never thought I would see a ban on the cruel dog meat industry in South Korea in my lifetime, but this historic victory for animals is a testament to the passion and determination of our animal welfare movement.”
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Animal rights activists.
AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon
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The new law comes at a time when the popularity of dog meat in restaurants is declining among young people.
According to the BBC, a Gallup poll last year found that 8% of people said they had tried dog meat in the past 12 months, compared to 27% in 2015.
On the other hand, less than a fifth of respondents stated that they support the consumption of dog meat.
However, dog breeders plan to oppose the law, according to AP.
Lee Chae-yeon, a 22-year-old student, told the BBC that the ban was necessary to promote animal rights.
“More people have pets these days,” she said. “Dogs are like family now and it’s not nice to eat our family.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education