South Korea’s government has passed a bill that will ban the breeding and slaughter of dogs for consumption, putting an end to controversial practices after years of nationwide debate.
The bill received bipartisan support across South Korea’s politically divided parliament, showing the change in how the once-traditional practice is viewed.
The distribution and sale of food products made or processed with dog ingredients will no longer be legal under the new law, according to the corresponding committee of the National Assembly.
The bill does have its exclusions, as those who consume dog meat or related products will not be subject to any prosecution or punishment, as it is mainly focused on targeting those working in the industry of dog farming or selling.
Additionally, a three-year grace period will be given to dog meat restaurants and other workers in the dog trade to close or change their businesses, the committee shared.
After the grace period, those who are found slaughtering a dog for food can be punished by up to three years in prison or fined up to 30 million Korean won.
Lower fines and prison time will be given to those who breed dogs for eating or knowingly acquiring, storing, transporting, or selling food made from dogs.
Currently, the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs estimates that nearly 1,100 dog farms are being operated in the country for food purposes, accounting for nearly half a million dogs.
The bill will now head to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for final approval. No hiccups are expected, as Yoon’s ruling party proposed the legislation along with the main opposition party.