South Korean president suggests ban on eating dog meat.

The South Korean President, Moon Jae-in, has raised banning the eating of dogs in the country, his office has said - a traditional practice that is becoming an international embarrassment.

Moon Jae-in, the South Korean president, with puppies at the the Blue House in Seoul, South Korea. Photograph: Cheong Wa Dae Handout/EPA

Dog meat has been a long part of South Korean cuisine with about 1 million dogs believed to be eaten annually - but the consumption has declined as more people being to embrace dogs as companions rather than livestock. Indeed, younger generations of South Koreans view the practice as something of a taboo, with growing support from animal rights activists in the country.

During a meeting, President Moon asked the Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum:

“Hasn’t the time come to prudently consider prohibiting dog meat consumption?”

South Korea’s pet industry is on the rise, with a growing number of people living with dogs at home – the president among them. Moon is a known dog lover and has several canines at the presidential compound, including one he rescued after taking office.South Korea’s animal protection law is intended mainly to prevent the cruel slaughter of dogs and cats but does not ban consumption itself.

A poll in 2020, conducted by Nielsen for Humane Society International found that 84% of South Koreans have never consumed dog meat or say they do not want to consume it in the future. It also found that 59% of South Koreans support banning dog meat.

Discussion around the topic is set to intensify in the run up to the presidential election, which is scheduled to take place next year. Several candidates have already raised the possibility of banning dog meat.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, considered a strong candidate, has mentioned it in his campaigning, telling supporters that there need to be new laws and policies based on "social consensus".

Courtesy of Kat Mak.

Main Source: BBC