(Vivan Han / Daily Titan)
South Korean President Moon Jae-in has proposed a ban on eating dog meat. Dogs are farmed, stolen from homes and caged in atrocious and unsanitary environments. South Korea must ban the consumption of dog meat as it is a vile practice that purges animal companions.
Two million dogs are purported to be killed for food every year in South Korea, and over 100,000 tons of dog meat are consumed annually, according to the Animal Welfare Institute.
The numbers tell a narrative that seems contradictory to a common understanding of the popularity of dog meat in South Korea. Despite the progressiveness of the country and the practice becoming more taboo, an annual consumption of two million is a staggering number that proves dog meat consumption is a grave issue.
According to the report, “although there is evidence to suggest that dogs were consumed in Korea a thousand years ago, the non-profit International Aid for Korean Animals claims that the practice is not deeply embedded into the history and culture of South Korea.” Historically, dog meat was only consumed in desperate situations of starvation.
In the last century, some of the elderly relied on dog meat for mythical health benefits. However, the majority of the Korean youth do not support the consumption of dog meat.
Even though most people do not eat dog meat in South Korea, there are peaks of high consumption. According to Humane Society International, in South Korea more dog meat is consumed during Bok Nal, which consists of the hottest days in summer.
During these blazing summer days, 70% to 80% of the dog meat is consumed, even by those that hardly participate in the traditional practice. The pretense that dog meat soup will invigorate the blood and revitalize individuals’ health during the heat is pure bogus paid at the expense of innocent dogs.
The societal pressure to eat dog meat soup during hot weather encourages more needless consumption of dog meat. The weather and outdated beliefs is not an acceptable reason to continue this cultural practice. There needs to be a more ethical and sensible way of dealing with the heat that does not involve eating dogs.
As people begin to understand the treatment of dogs in farms then public sentiment will change.
The Humane Society reports that dogs are locked in metal cages without water or food, suffer from severe malnutrition and painful skin diseases. On one farm, the dogs were abandoned after the owners had left. The unbearable conditions that these animals live in need to be outlawed, and no more dogs should have to endure this sort of abuse ever again.
A 2020 poll conducted by Nielsen for Humane Society International found that 84% of South Koreans have never consumed dog meat or say they do not want to consume it in the future. It also found that 60% of South Koreans support banning dog meat. It is apparent with these results that the consumption of dog meat is no longer seen as a practice people want to be involved in.
Although South Korea has a long history in the practice of eating dog meat, the country must adapt and move forward without the need to abuse animals. The Humane Society International states that there are already bans on dog meat in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.
Most recently, Indonesia has also pledged support for a ban. South Korea must follow in the steps of their neighbors and finally end the consumption of dog meat.
Recently a group of 171 dogs were saved by the Humane Society and brought to the United States and Canada.
In a Humane Society International press release, Kitty Block said, “No matter how many dogs we rescue from this brutal trade, it never gets easier to stomach the harsh, terrifying conditions we find the survivors enduring.” So far, the Humane Society has rescued over 2,000 dogs from Korean dog farms.
Several international organizations are fighting for a ban on dog meat and are helping dogs in South Korea. The most prominent include the Humane Society, Soi Dog, Free Korean Dogs, the Animal Welfare Institute and Humane Society International. Donating to these organizations, learning more about the treatment of dogs in Korea and adopting from local shelters can help bring about change In Korea.
The consumption of dog meat in South Korea is a terrible display of animal abuse being perpetrated under the umbrella of tradition and history.
The people of Korea support a ban and do not consider dog consumption a part of their culture. President Moon Jae-in must act now and implement a prohibition countrywide in response to the international and domestic outcry.
Dogs should be treated humanely and do not deserve to be tortured and murdered in the name of an outdated tradition.
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October 18, 2021 at 05:09AM
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Banning dog meat consumption in South Korea prevents animal cruelty - The Daily Titan
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