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South Korean parliament achieved a milestone on Tuesday by passing a bill that prohibits the breeding, slaughtering, and selling of dogs for their meat, a practice deeply embedded in the country's tradition but increasingly deemed controversial by activists.
For years, dog meat has been an integral part of South Korean cuisine, with up to a million dogs reportedly being slaughtered annually for the trade, as indicated by activists. However, a notable shift in societal attitudes has seen a significant decline in consumption, driven by a surge in pet ownership among Koreans.
The newly enacted legislation addresses the evolving sentiment toward animals and reflects a changing cultural landscape. Eating dog meat has become a subject of taboo, particularly among younger, urban South Koreans who view dogs as companions rather than sources of food. The shift in public perception has exerted mounting pressure on the government to align with global animal rights standards and abandon the practice.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, known for his fondness for animals, has played a pivotal role in this legislative change. His public adoption of several stray dogs and cats, alongside First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who is a vocal critic of dog meat consumption, has signaled a shift in the government's stance. The official support for the ban underlines the administration's commitment to addressing concerns raised by both domestic and international communities regarding animal welfare and ethical treatment.
As South Korea moves away from the controversial tradition of dog meat consumption, the decision holds symbolic importance, marking a departure from a practice that has long been a source of contention and criticism on the global stage.
