South Korean authorities have decided to pass a law banning eating dog meat.

The South Korean government and the ruling People Power party have decided to pass a law banning the consumption of dog meat by the end of the year, writes the Korean Yonhap agency.

“It is time for our society to put an end to the consumption of dog meat, given the growing pet population, increased awareness and international presence of our country,” MP Yoo Eui-dong said after a ruling coalition meeting.

It is expected that the slaughter and sale of dog meat will be completely banned from 2027. The law will also require dog farms, slaughterhouses, retailers and restaurants to submit a plan to phase out dog meat to local authorities, The Washington Post clarifies . Subject to the provision of such a plan, the business will be supported.

The Democratic Party, the second largest party in South Korea, which is now in opposition, also advocates the adoption of the law. Back in September, its representatives said that they approved of the ban.

• The idea of ​​banning dog meat has been discussed in South Korea for several years. Some people with traditionalist views are against this, emphasizing that dog meat is an integral part of Korean cuisine.
• In recent years, young people in Korea are increasingly abandoning the consumption of dog meat and keeping them as pets. In a 2022 study, more than half of Koreans in their 20s who ate dog meat reported pressure from parents or older work colleagues.
• In South Korea, there are about 1,150 dog farms, 34 meat processing plants, 219 distributors and about 1,600 restaurants that sell products made from dog meat, according to government statistics.