Suspension of Training After Identifying Illegal Slaughter
When Will the Social Consensus on Ending Dog Meat Consumption Be Reached?
Volunteers from the animal protection organization Animal Rights Action Kara are rescuing dogs at a farm in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, where illegal dog slaughter was uncovered. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] The youth English language study abroad program in the United States prepared by Ganghwa-gun, Incheon City, was canceled due to local public opinion opposing the dog meat consumption culture.
Since early last year, Ganghwa-gun has been promoting a youth language study program with Palisades Park City, New Jersey, USA, a sister city. Palisades Park City has been a sister city since 2020, and the youths from both sides have engaged in online partnerships and exchanged books and gifts.
Originally, Ganghwa-gun planned to send 12 students recommended by frontline high schools to Palisades Park City in December last year to provide a three-week opportunity for English learning and cultural experience. However, in June of the same year, Palisades Park City suddenly notified the suspension of cooperation for the study program, and after difficulties in promotion, it was ultimately canceled.
Palisades Park City reportedly made this decision due to negative public opinion arising after it became known that there is a dog slaughterhouse in Ganghwa-gun.
Ganghwa-gun changed the location of the overseas study program to Thailand and proceeded with it. They plan to continue expanding exchanges with Palisades Park City in the future.
Sharp Conflict over 'Dog Meat Consumption', Negative Perception Also in Korea
The issue of dog meat consumption is a frequent topic of debate. Although negative views on dog meat consumption have increased compared to the past, the perception that it is a unique Korean culture still remains significant. However, as the number of pet owners steadily increases and interest in animal rights grows, the perception that dog meat consumption should be banned is gradually spreading.
A survey conducted last year by the Animal Welfare Research Institute Aware on 2,000 adult men and women found that 94.2% of respondents answered that they had not eaten dog meat in the past year. Additionally, 88.6% of respondents said they have no intention of eating it in the future.
In September 2021, then-President Moon Jae-in officially instructed related ministries to review the ban on dog meat consumption. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs established the "Committee for Discussion on Dog Meat Issues" in December of the same year and began serious discussions on banning dog meat consumption.
The committee has conducted investigations into the industry status such as dog breeding, public opinion surveys related to dog meat consumption, discussions on overseas cases of ending dog meat consumption, and hygienic issues. However, there are differences of opinion regarding the timing of the ban and specific implementation plans to enforce the ban, and discussions to reach consensus on these issues will continue.
Lee Wonbok, CEO of the Korea Animal Protection Alliance, stated, "Korea is the only country in the world with an industry that slaughters dogs, and public opinion strongly favors banning dog meat consumption." He pointed out, "In the past, when food was scarce, this culture was accepted, but that time has passed." He added, "The government should support workers in the related industry to ease resistance and ensure that the ban on dog meat consumption is legislated."
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