Dog Meat Consumption to be Fully Banned Starting in 2027… South Korea Faces Its Last Summer
The culture of eating dog meat in South Korea is expected to soon disappear into history. As the government has decided to completely ban the consumption of dog meat starting in 2027, this summer appears to be the last one in which this tradition will be maintained.
In the past, some people in Korea sought out dog meat as a summer health food. However, as awareness of animal welfare has increased and the number of households raising pets has grown over the past few years, social voices calling for a ban on dog meat consumption have become louder.
Accordingly, the National Assembly passed the 'Special Act on the End of Dog Meat Consumption' last January. According to this law, breeding, proliferating, or slaughtering dogs for the purpose of consumption will be completely prohibited by law starting in 2027. Violating this will result in penalties.
The government is also preparing support measures for those working in the dog meat-related industry. The main focus is to provide financial assistance to help restaurant or farm operators transition to other businesses and to assist them in finding new jobs.
This measure shows that Korean society is thinking more deeply about and changing its stance on animal rights. Many citizens are paying close attention to how Korea's food culture will change after 2027.