South Korean lawmakers from the ruling party and the main opposition party are planning to introduce a ban on the consumption of dog meat. This is in response to calls coming from around the world.

The Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, on 14 September announced it would pass a law banning the consumption of dog meat during the last regular session of parliament, which ends on 9 December. President Yoon Suk-yeol's conservative People Power Party is also on board, bringing enough votes to legislate the act.

The law is opposed by farmers who raise dogs for consumption. Mostly these are dogs of the local Nureongi breed. They are medium-sized animals with a short yellowish coat. "About 10 million South Korean households raises pets. Now is the time to put an end to dog eating," Park Dae-chul, head of the ruling party's political committee, said.

Pet ownership in South Korea is increasing and the public is turning away from dog meat. Consumption has fallen sharply over the past few years. However, attempts to introduce a ban have previously failed. The reason was strong opposition from dog breeders and restaurant owners.

As reported by The Korea Herald, South Korea's first lady Kim Keon-hee is urging an end to the practice. She made a surprise appearance at a press conference of activists in August 2023. She promised to work with them until the dog meat industry is eradicated, Bloomberg reports.

Source: bloomberg.com