Activists welcome amendment in animal protection law

By Lim Chang-won Posted : June 22, 2018, 14:19 Updated : June 22, 2018, 14:19

Activists protest against eating dogs and cats in central Seoul. [Photograph by Yoo Dae-gil = dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]


SEOUL -- Animal rights groups stepped their campaign for quick legislation this week after a bill was introduced in parliament to amend an animal protection law banning the act of killing animals at will without proper licensing.

The bill, introduced by Pyo Chang-won, a lawmaker of the ruling Democratic party, on Wednesday, includes a clause on slaughtering animals only to prevent threats to human life, as well as to minimize animal suffering at authorized slaughterhouses.

Animal rights groups welcomed the bill. In a joint statement, the group said this can "block the source of animal abuse. If this law is passed, we can explicitly ban dog slaughter."

There have been endless campaigns and petitions on the long-standing debate of banning dog meat that put pressure on lawmakers and government policymakers. President Moon Jae-in has been constantly been under pressure from animal rights activists to impose a complete ban on butchering dogs for table use, a controversial social issue which has caused international criticism and catcalls.

Many animal rights groups abroad have been active on social media ahead of the Yulin Festival, raising awareness of the cruelty of eating dogs. The festival held in China on June 21 is an annual 10-day event where over 10,000 dogs are eaten. It happens with the belief that eating dog meat during the summer months can bring luck, good health and heighten sexual performance.

Some other Asian countries such as Singapore take a firm stand and illegalize sales of dog meat. In February 2017, the Singapore Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) investigated a case of dog meat for sale when Singapore actor Andrew Seow brought this issue to social attention.

Importing dog meat is also illegal in Singapore and there are no licensed premises for the slaughter of dogs as well. If convicted, the offender faces a fine of up to $10,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment or both, for each charge.

The debate about eating dog meat in South Korea has stemmed from an old culture and tradition for ages. Despite the drop in the population of dog meat eaters in recent years, activists still feel the need for regulations due to improper slaughtering and inhumane living conditions at dog farms.

Dog meat lovers and restaurants claimed that eating dog is nothing different from eating beef, pork, or horse meat, while activists want a complete halt to the deep-rooted practice as dogs are bred in meat farms and are slaughtered in a cruel and unhygienic way. Many derogatory and unsanitary living conditions of dog farms can be found online with dogs being confined to small cages.

In central Seoul, some Korean and foreign activists have been rallying frequently to raise public awareness, using banners or placards with printed images of dogs held in small cages. They oppose the methods of butchering dogs and demand regulations on slaughterhouses.

This story was contributed by Jazin Wee, an editorial assistant.
 
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기