The practice of eating dog meat is unpopular among younger generations in the country and consumption is decreasing
The South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, has suggested that it may be time for the country to ban the consumption of dog meat.
It is thought that around one million dogs are eaten annually in South Korea – but the practice is starting to be seen as a source of international embarrassment.
A growing number of the population are starting to see dogs as pets and the practice is becoming a taboo amongst younger South Koreans.
According to a spokesperson for the president, Moon asked Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum during a weekly meeting: “Hasn’t the time come to prudently consider prohibiting dog meat consumption?”
Moon is known to have several canine companions at his presidential compound, the Blue House, including one he rescued.
Currently, animal protection laws in South Korea are in place to prevent any cruel killings of dogs and cats but do not ban the actual consumption of the meat itself.
Authorities have previously used such laws to crack down on the consumption and farming of the meat ahead of major international events though, such as the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
The consumption of dog meat seems to be receiving growing public opposition as well. Reuters reports that one poll commissioned by animal welfare group Aware found that 78 per cent of respondents believed the production and sale of dog and cat meat should be prohibited, with 49 per cent supporting a consumption ban.
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