In a historic move, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea deliberated 101 bills during its 4th plenary session, addressing critical issues in the extraordinary session. Among these bills, one stood out as a significant step towards curbing dog meat consumption in South Korea.
With an overwhelming unanimous vote of 208 in favor, 0 opposed, and 2 abstentions, the bill titled "Special Act on the Termination of Breeding, Slaughter, and Distribution of Dogs for Consumption" aims to revolutionize the country's stance on the centuries-old practice.
The legislation outlines crucial measures to cease dog consumption, signaling a transformative shift in the nation's cultural landscape. Notably, the bill offers comprehensive assistance for the closure and job transitions of existing workers in the dog meat industry.
Key takeaways
- It is prohibited to breed, multiply, and slaughter dogs for food purposes, as well as to distribute and sell food cooked and processed using dogs.
- Slaughtering dogs for food purposes is punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 30 million won (around $22.7k with current currency conversion)
- Breeding, propagation, distribution, and sale is punishable by imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine of up to 20 million won (around $15k with currency conversion)
- However, in order to minimize social confusion, the prohibition and penalty provisions will take effect three years after their promulgation.
- Current owners of dog breeding farms, dog meat slaughterers, distributors, and dog meat food service providers are required to submit the location and dimensions of their facilities to the mayor/county/district head within three months from the promulgation date.
- Any details regarding business closure or changes must be reported within six months from the date of promulgation.
- A 'Dog Meat Ending Implementation Plan' that incorporates these requirements must be submitted and put into action. State or local governments are obligated to offer essential assistance for business closure or job transitions to individuals who submit reports and implementation plans.
As the bill moves towards implementation, it marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to end the dog meat trade in South Korea, garnering attention and applause from animal rights activists worldwide.