Lawmakers pass dog meat ban in Korea

Animal rights advocates urge the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, on Dec. 23, 2023, to legislate a special law prohibiting dog meat consumption. [NEWS1]

The National Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill that will end the centuries-old practice of dog meat consumption in Korea.

The law was passed with the bipartisan support of 208 of the 210 lawmakers who attended the plenary session on Tuesday. Two others abstained.

The legislation will come into effect starting in 2027, banning the breeding, slaughter, distribution and sale of dogs for consumption.

Under the bill, those found butchering dogs for consumption will face up to three years in prison or 30 million won ($22,800) of fines.

Those who breed and distribute dogs for consumption will be penalized with up to 2 years in prison or 20 million won of fines.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]