South Korean Lawmakers Propose Bill to End Dog and Cat Meat Consumption with Bipartisan Support

Last week, lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) proposed a bill that would criminalize the sale and slaughter of dog and cat meat in a move seen as a bipartisan effort to end the controversial practice. 

The proposed amendment to the Animal Protection Act also includes provisions for the government to provide subsidies to dog and cat meat businesses that have voluntarily ceased operations or changed their business model.

According to Yonhap, representative Tae Yong Ho of the PPP stated that "the culture of eating dogs and cats should be eradicated in an era where 15 million people raise pets," echoing a call from South Korea's first lady, Kim Keon Hee, for increased animal rights protection. Rep. Tae Yong Ho further emphasized the need for the ruling and opposition parties, as well as the government, to lead the way in this effort.

On April 13, the chief policymaker of the main opposition Democratic Party also expressed support for a special law banning dog meat consumption and providing assistance to those in the dog meat industry who wish to transition to other occupations.

Although the consumption of dog meat has significantly declined in recent decades, with many viewing the tradition as a cause for international embarrassment, proponents of the practice maintain that individuals should retain the freedom to decide what they consume.