SEOUL, December 12. /TASS/. Activists from the South Korean Farmers’ Association, which deals in breeding dogs for their meat, said that the proposed bill banning the consumption of dogmeat in its current form violates basic human rights and is a blatant abuse of power, Yonhap News Agency reported.
"The question of whether to consume dogmeat comes down to the people's right to food choice and basic rights. Lawmaking in order to unilaterally ban the consumption of dogmeat without surveying the opinions of people and those involved [constitutes] an abuse of power by the government and the legislative branch," the association of dogmeat producers stated. Its representatives held a protest outside parliament.
On Tuesday, the subcommittee of the National Assembly on Agriculture and Food considered a bill proposing to ban breeding dogs for food, their slaughter, sale, and consumption of meat. This initiative was put forward by the government and the ruling People Power Party. The proposed law stipulates that the ban will only take full effect in 2027. The document is expected to be passed by the end of this year.
Activists argue that the ban should be preceded by government support for those involved in the industry, including farmers and restaurant owners, to help them rebuild their businesses. They demand that compensation for the dog should amount 2 million won ($1,521) and be provided for five years. They also want to extend the transition period to 10 years.
According to the authorities, there are approximately 1,150 farms where dogs are bred, about 34 slaughterhouses, and about 1,600 catering establishments that offer dog on the menu in the Republic of Korea.