Republished with full copyright permissions from The Washington Daily Chronicle.

In Pyeongtaek city, just south of Seoul, Kim Jong-kil runs a dog meat farm that has sustained his family for 27 years. However, as politicians and activists increasingly push for the prohibition of the dog meat trade, Kim, like many others involved in the industry, finds himself at odds with calls for change.

Dog meat consumption has a long-standing tradition on the Korean Peninsula, believed to provide stamina during hot summer days. While dog meat is neither officially legalized nor banned in South Korea, a growing awareness of animal rights and concerns about the country’s international image have sparked calls for its prohibition.

The anti-dog meat campaign gained momentum when the country’s first lady expressed support for a ban, and lawmakers submitted bills to eliminate the dog meat trade. Opposition lawmaker Han Jeoungae argues that South Korea’s international standing clashes with the continued practice of dog meat consumption.

Passing an anti-dog meat law faces hurdles as farmers, restaurant owners, and industry stakeholders protest the proposed ban. Surveys indicate that while one in three South Koreans opposes such a ban, dog meat consumption itself has significantly decreased over the years.

South Korea’s dog meat industry gains international attention due to the country’s reputation as a wealthy, ultra-modern democracy. It is also the only nation with industrial-scale farms, housing large numbers of dogs. However, these farms face increasing scrutiny from officials and negative public opinion.

Falling dog meat prices, weaker demand, and tighter regulations have resulted in numerous farms collapsing in recent years. Younger generations are increasingly distancing themselves from dog meat consumption, sparking a decline in its overall popularity.

The South Korean government launched a government-civilian task force in 2021 to consider outlawing dog meat consumption. Disputes over compensation issues have resulted in a lack of agreement among committee members consisting of farmers and animal rights activists.

Lawmakers propose support programs for farmers willing to close their farms, including financial aid, vocational training, and employment assistance. The farmers’ association suggests allowing the industry to gradually fade away as older customers, who form the core consumer base, pass away naturally.

Opponents of dog meat consumption argue that it is anachronistic, cruel to animals, and hinders the nation’s progress. Animal rights advocates like Borami Seo from the Humane Society International emphasize the need to end the prolonged suffering of millions of dogs in South Korea.

South Korea’s dog meat industry finds itself at a crossroads as public sentiment shifts against its continuation. Activists push for an outright ban, while farmers hope for a gradual decline in the industry. The debate surrounding dog meat consumption reflects changing attitudes towards animals and highlights the challenges faced in reconciling tradition and progress in a modern society.