The National Assembly passed
the bill by a 208-0 vote in a move hailed as 'history in the making' by
activists.
'This law is aimed at
contributing to realizing the values of animal rights, which pursue respect for
life and a harmonious co-existence between humans and animals,' the legislation
reads.
Breeding, selling, and
slaughtering dogs for their meat will be punishable by up to three years in
prison or 30 million won (£18,000) in fines under the new law, which will come
into effect after a three-year grace period.
Some angry dog farmers said
they plan to file a constitutional appeal and launch rallies in protest.
Dog meat consumption, a
centuries-old practice on the Korean Peninsula, is neither explicitly banned
nor legalised in South Korea.
Eating dog meat was once seen
as a way to improve stamina in the humid Korean summer. But the practise has
become rare and largely limited to some older people and specific restaurants
as more Koreans consider dogs as family pets and as criticism of how the dogs
are slaughtered has grown.
Activists say most dogs are
electrocuted or hanged when slaughtered for meat, though breeders and traders
argue there has been progress in making the slaughtering more humane.
Recent surveys show more people
want its ban and a majority of South Koreans don't eat dog meat any longer. But
the surveys also indicated one in every three South Koreans still oppose the
ban even though they don't eat dog meat.
The government would offer
assistance to farmers and others in the industry for shutting down their businesses
or shifting to alternatives. Details of outlawing the industry would be worked
out among government officials, farmers, experts, and animal rights activists,
according to the bill.
Humane Society International
called the legislation's passage 'history in the making.'
'I never thought I would see in
my lifetime a ban on the cruel dog meat industry in South Korea, but this
historic win for animals is testament to the passion and determination of our
animal protection movement,' said JungAh Chae, executive director of HSI's
Korea office.
The legislation left farmers extremely
upset and frustrated.
'This is a clear state violence
as they're infringing upon freedom of occupational option. We can't just sit
idly,' said Son Won Hak, a farmer and leader of a farmers' association.
Son said dog farmers will file
a petition to the constitutional court and launch rallies in protest. He said
farmers will meet Wednesday to discuss other future steps.
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