In a landmark decision, South Korea's parliament passed a bill putting a ban to consuming and trading of dog meat on Tuesday. Amid growing support for animal-welfare, the move is set to end the controversial centuries-old practice.
Dog meat consumption was a common practice among Koreans, which is seen as a way to improve stamina.
The National Assembly passed the bill by a 208-0 vote. It will become law after being endorsed by the Cabinet Council and signed by President Yoon Suk Yeol.
According to activists, hundreds of thousands of dogs are killed and traded for meat every year. Most dogs are electrocuted or hanged when slaughtered for meat.
Under President Yeol, who owns six dogs and eight cats, the support for ban strengthened.
Dozens of animal rights activists gathered at the National Assembly to celebrate the bill's passage. They carried large photos of dogs, chanted slogans and held placards reading ‘Dog meat-free Korea’ is coming.
Dogs are also eaten in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, North Korea and in some African countries too. However, South Korea's dog meat industry has drawn more attention because of the country's reputation as a cultural and economic powerhouse, reported The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, the farmers were extremely upset by the bill's passage.
Former leader of a farmers’ association Son Won Hak said that the dog farmers will file a petition with the Constitutional Court of Korea and hold demonstrations against the move.
However, there is no reliable official data on the exact size of South Korea's dog meat industry.
The legislation doesn't clearly specify how dog farmers and others in the industry will be supported. Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said Tuesday the government will try to formulate reasonable assistance programs for them.
