South Korea says it can ban consuming canine meat, with plans to introduce a regulation by the top of this yr.
The regulation to finish the standard however controversial follow would have a three-year grace interval, with canine 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 growing opposition at home, notably from younger individuals.
“It is time to put an end to social conflicts and controversies around dog meat consumption through the enactment of a special act to end it,” Yu Eui-dong, coverage chief of the ruling People Power Party, mentioned at a gathering on Friday.
The authorities and ruling get together would introduce a invoice this yr to implement a ban, he mentioned, including he was assured it could cross with bipartisan help.
Anti-dog meat payments have failed previously due to protests by these within the business, and concern for the livelihoods of farmers and restaurant house owners.
The proposed ban will embrace a three-year grace interval and monetary help for businesses to transition out of the commerce.
Eating canine meat is way much less frequent than it was once 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 throughout the previous yr, down from 27% in 2015.
First girl Kim Keon Hee has been a vocal critic of canine meat consumption and, alongside together with her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, has adopted stray dogs.
There are about 1,150 canine breeding farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution firms, and 1,600 eating places serving canine meat, in response to authorities information.
Animal rights teams welcomed the prospect of a ban.
“A dream come true for all of us who have campaigned so hard to end this cruelty,” Humane Society International mentioned in a press release.
