The Korean government has decided to start discussions on the habit of eating dog meat in the country, saying that the number of households with pets is increasing and the public interest in animal welfare is increasing.
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom announced at a government meeting on the 25th that he would start discussions on a social consensus to ban dog meat from eating.
As the reason, Prime Minister Kim said, "The rapid increase in the number of households with pets has raised public interest in animal welfare, and there are increasing voices that it may be difficult to accept it just because of the old food culture." Said.
In the future, discussions will be held in a joint public-private committee that includes experts, NGOs, and other experts, and the conclusions will be finalized in April next year, taking into account the results of a questionnaire targeting the public.
The habit of eating dog meat has been criticized mainly in Europe and the United States since the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and there has been debate over whether or not it should be banned.
Also, in September, President Moon Jae-in, known as a dog lover, instructed Prime Minister Kim to consider a ban.
However, it is expected that people in the industry will oppose such discussions as a unique food culture.