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As South Korea plans dog meat ban, farmers threaten to release 2 million canines
Lawmakers from across the aisle have proposed to outlaw the consumption and sale of dog meat, with measures such as a five-year jail term or fines of up to US$38,000.
www.scmp.com
Joo Young-bong, head of the Korea Dog Meat Farmers' Association, earlier this week claimed his group would release 2 million dogs near key governmental locations in Seoul and the homes of lawmakers.
"We're so outraged that we're talking about releasing 2 million dogs we're raising near the presidential office, the agriculture minister's home and offices of lawmakers who have introduced the bills," he said.
"Eating dog meat cannot be a crime like trafficking drugs or prostitution," Joo told a radio news talk show. "Have you ever heard of anyone whose dog meat consumption caused harm to others?"
Eating dog meat has historical roots on the Korean peninsula, often viewed as a method to combat the summer heat.
Government statistics show there are 1,150 dog farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution companies and around 1,600 restaurants serving dog meat across South Korea.
A Gallup Korea poll from last year indicated that 64% of respondents opposed dog meat consumption, with only 8% acknowledging having consumed it in the past year - a significant drop from 27% in 2015.
Lawmakers from across the aisle have proposed to outlaw the consumption and sale of dog meat, with measures such as a five-year jail term or fines of up to US$38,000.
