SOUTH KOREA
South Korean President Moon Jae-in suggested this week that the country might ban the consumption of dog meat, sparking a debate about the controversial tradition, USA Today reported.
Moon, a dog-lover and pet owner himself, questioned whether the practice should continue but did not specify whether an outright ban was in the works.
In Korean culture, dog meat is believed to have restorative properties and increase virility and is consumed on special holidays. Despite a law that bans the “cruel” slaughter of dogs and cats, there is no ban on consumption at restaurants and establishments.
Still, a poll last year by the Human Society found that 84 percent of South Koreans won’t eat dog meat and 60 percent would support a legal ban. Even so, politicians have been hesitant to take action, fearing a backlash from traditionalists.
Animal rights groups welcomed Moon’s comments. Meanwhile, other politicians have announced in recent weeks that they will ban the consumption of dog meat in an effort to boost their popularity ahead of next year’s presidential elections, Sky News noted.
The consumption of canine meat has sullied South Korea’s image, particularly at international events such as the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Restaurants in the Pyeongchang area continued selling dog meat, despite a government request – and subsidy offers – to stop the practice, according to National Geographic.
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