We welcomed a review of Korean leaders on the ban on eating dog meat | Lifestyle

Seoul, South Korea (AP) — On Tuesday, animal rights groups welcomed the South Korean president’s offer to consider banning dog meat consumption.

Dog meat is not explicitly prohibited in South Korea, even if it is legal. The restaurants that offer it are a declining business here, as young people feel that dog meat is a less appetizing dietary option. However, some oppose the ban as a surrender to western pressure.

President Moon Jae-in asked in a meeting with the Prime Minister on Monday, “Is it time to carefully consider the ban?” It is unclear when the review will take place, when the ban will be enforced, or whether it will be enforced.

Several activists gathered in central Seoul on Tuesday, calling on the government and parliament to take steps to officially ban the consumption of dog meat. They placed a large placard on the street stating, “Enact a law prohibiting the slaughter of dogs and cats!”

“We are positively welcoming President Moon Jae-in’s comments instructing a review of the dog meat consumption ban and hope that it will make significant progress,” the animal rights group said in a joint statement.

Lee Won-bok, chairman of the Korean Animal Conservation Society, said activists later visited Moon’s presidential palace and parliament, calling for swift action to ban dog meat consumption.

According to a 2018 public survey, about 80% of Koreans did not eat dog meat the previous year.

Some older people believe that dog meat enhances sexual stamina.

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