South Korea’s parliament on Tuesday passed a bill to ban the slaughter of dogs for consumption, a traditional practice that activists have long called a disgrace to the country, AFP reported.

South Korea’s National Assembly voted in favor of the bill (208 votes to none), which will take effect after a three-year grace period. Breeding, selling and slaughtering dogs for consumption will be punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of 30 million won (20,800 euros).

Activists welcomed the adoption of the bill. “Today, our lawmakers acted decisively to make this a reality,” said Jeon Ah Chae, executive director of Humane Society International in South Korea.

“I am happy that South Korea can now close this sad chapter in our history and open a future” that respects dogs, she added.

Dog meat has long been a part of South Korean cuisine, and it is believed that up to a million dogs were once killed for food every year, but consumption has fallen sharply in recent years as more Koreans adopt pets.

Previous attempts to ban it have met with fierce opposition from breeders of dogs intended for consumption. The law provides for compensation so that companies can withdraw from this trade.

According to official figures, approximately 1,100 dog farms breed hundreds of thousands of dogs each year, which are served in restaurants across the country. (Agerpress)

Article photo: © Hyotographics | Dreamstime.com