Kim Do-eup, Chairman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, is striking the gavel at the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly on the 8th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
A bill prohibiting the breeding, raising, and slaughtering of dogs for consumption passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 8th.
On the same day, the committee approved the enactment of the "Special Act on the Eradication of Dog Breeding, Slaughtering, and Distribution for Food Purposes" (Dog Meat Eradication Act) at a plenary meeting.
The bill primarily bans the breeding, raising, or slaughtering of dogs for food purposes, as well as the distribution and sale of foods cooked or processed using dogs or dog-derived ingredients.
Those who slaughter dogs for food purposes face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won, while those who breed, raise, or distribute dogs face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won.
However, these penalty provisions will take effect three years after the bill is promulgated, allowing for a grace period before enforcement.
Dog farm owners, dog meat slaughterers and distributors, and restaurant owners must report their facilities and business details to local government heads. The national or local governments will support the closure or business transition of registered operators.
The ruling party and government officially pushed for the enactment of the special law during a party-government consultation in November last year. Notably, since First Lady Kim Geon-hee urged the bill's passage, it has sometimes been referred to as the "Kim Geon-hee Act."
The Democratic Party of Korea also adopted the Dog Meat Eradication Act as a party policy through a party caucus meeting.
Since there is little disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties, the bill is expected to pass smoothly at the plenary session on the 9th.
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