South Korea says it is going to ban consuming canine meat, with plans to introduce a regulation by the tip of this yr.
The regulation to finish the standard however controversial follow would have a three-year grace interval, with dog meat banned completely from 2027.
The Korean follow of consuming canine meat has drawn criticism from animal rights activists abroad, however there has additionally been rising opposition at dwelling, notably from youthful individuals.
“It’s time to put an finish to social conflicts and controversies round canine meat consumption by means of the enactment of a particular act to finish it,” Yu Eui-dong, coverage chief of the ruling Individuals Energy Social gathering, stated at a gathering on Friday.
The federal government and ruling occasion would introduce a invoice this yr to implement a ban, he stated, including he was assured it could go with bipartisan help.
Anti-dog meat payments have failed previously due to protests by these within the trade, and concern for the livelihoods of farmers and restaurant homeowners.
The proposed ban will embrace a three-year grace interval and monetary help for companies to transition out of the commerce.
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Consuming canine meat is far much less widespread than it was in South Korea, however it’s nonetheless eaten by some older individuals and served in sure eating places.
A Gallup Korea ballot final yr confirmed 64% opposed canine meat consumption. The survey discovered solely 8% of respondents had eaten canine inside the previous yr, down from 27% in 2015.
First girl Kim Keon Hee has been a vocal critic of canine meat consumption and, alongside along with her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, has adopted stray canine.
There are about 1,150 canine breeding farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution corporations, and 1,600 eating places serving canine meat, in accordance with authorities knowledge.
Animal rights teams welcomed the prospect of a ban.
“A dream come true for all of us who’ve campaigned so exhausting to finish this cruelty,” Humane Society Worldwide stated in a press release.