South Korea has formed a new task force aimed at ending the consumption of dog meat in the country. Officials are reportedly looking to outlaw dog meat, ending the centuries-old practice in the country.
Dog meat is not illegal or banned in South Korea, but a growing number of people are becoming repulsed by the practice. Restaurants that serve dog meat are becoming rare in the country as having pets becomes more popular. Recent surveys showed that more people are now supporting the proposal to ban dog meat, including those that have never tried it.
The Agriculture Ministry and seven other government agencies announced Thursday that they had formed a task force comprised of officials, civilians, and members of non-profit organizations to deliver recommendations on the possible ban of dog meat consumption.
The group has been tasked with investigating dog farms, restaurants, and markets that sell dog meat as part of their assessment. The task force has also been ordered to examine public opinion in the matter.
Prime Minister Kim Boo-Kyum said that the formation of the task force is in response to a growing call from the public to ban the consumption of dog meat. He added that the calls have grown as more families adopt pets, and interest in animal rights and welfare have increased.
The government claims that the measure, which is the first of its type, does not ensure that dog meat will be banned. When it comes to dog meat consumption, the joint statement highlighted that public knowledge of the basic right to consume foods and animal rights problems are interwoven in a difficult manner.
The move has drawn an immediate response from dog farmers and some restaurants, who argued that the formation of the task force is just the first step in forcing them to shut down their business.
The general secretary of an association of dog farmers, Ju Yeongbong, said the government had no right to take away the people's right to eat what they want. He also added that farmers also have the right to make a living.
Meanwhile, some animal rights activists had slammed the government for not taking a more direct approach by outright banning dog meat consumption.
The head of the Korea Association for Animal Protection, Lee Won Bok, argued that the government's actions have been "very disappointing" as they do not include any concrete plans to ban the consumption of dog meat.
In South Korea, between 1 million and 1.5 million dogs are killed for food each year, down from several million 10 to 20 years ago. Tens of thousands of farmers in South Korea are presently raising 1 million to 2 million dogs for consumption.
