South Korea has voted to ban the centuries-old canine meat trade – with campaigners calling it “historical past within the making”.
Tons of of hundreds of dogs are farmed and killed in South Korea annually, however attitudes have modified in current occasions and demand is at an all-time low.
The ban will make the breeding, slaughter and sale of canines and canine meat for human consumption unlawful from 2027.
There can be penalties of as much as three years in jail or a superb of as much as 30m KRW (£18,000).
Organising new canine farms, slaughterhouses and cooking and processing amenities can be banned instantly.
Nonetheless, the invoice doesn’t stipulate penalties for consuming canine meat.
South Korea’s parliament endorsed the invoice by 208 votes to zero on Tuesday, however canine farmers mentioned they deliberate an attraction and protests.
Help for the ban grew underneath President Yoon Suk Yeol, an animal lover who has adopted six canines and eight cats.
“That is historical past within the making,” mentioned JungAh Chae, head of the nation’s Humane Society Worldwide.
“I by no means thought I’d see in my lifetime a ban on the merciless canine meat trade in South Korea, however this historic win for animals is testomony to the fervour and willpower of our animal safety motion.”
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South Korea launches campaign to discourage dog meat consumption in 2018
Animal rights activists protested in Seoul in July final 12 months. Pic: AP
Canine farmers maintain a banner studying: ‘Assure the best to life and freedom of selection of occupation’. Pic: AP
Consuming canine meat is a centuries-old apply within the nation, nonetheless surveys point out it is now a rarity – principally undertaken by some older individuals.
It was once seen as a manner to enhance stamina within the nation’s humid summer time.
The nation introduced the proposed law change towards the end of last year – after launching a taskforce to consider making the consumption of dog meat illegal in 2021.
Campaigners say most canines are electrocuted or hanged, however these within the trade declare slaughtering has develop into extra humane.
Estimates on the numbers of canines being bred for meat range.
Tons of of hundreds of canines are bred for his or her meat annually
A canine meat broth or ‘Bosintang’ at a restaurant in Hwaseong, South Korea
The agriculture ministry estimated in 2022 that round 1,100 farms had been breeding 570,000 canines to be served at some 1,600 eating places.
Nonetheless, the Korean Affiliation of Edible Canine, made up of breeders and sellers, mentioned the ban would have an effect on 3,500 farms elevating 1.5 million canines in addition to 3,000 eating places.
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Comparable anti-dog meat legal guidelines have failed previously due to protests and considerations concerning the livelihoods of farmers and restaurant homeowners.
Nonetheless, the ban features a three-year grace interval and help for companies to transition away from the commerce.
Son Received Hak, chief of a farmers’ affiliation, mentioned the brand new legislation was “clear state violence” and the federal government was “infringing upon freedom of occupational choice”.