The government “will enact a special law to end dog eating within the year…3-year grace period”.

The ruling party and the government have decided to enact a special law to eradicate the consumption of dog meat by the end of this year. With the adoption of the so-called “Kim Geon-hee Law” by the Democratic Party, which prohibits the consumption of dog meat, it is expected that related legislation will be expedited. The government plans to grant a three-year grace period until 2026, taking into account the closure of businesses in the industry. (source){vi01})Yu Yi-dong, the head of the policy committee of the ruling party, announced during a briefing on the results of the “Comprehensive Measures for the Eradication of Dog Meat Consumption and Improvement of Animal Medical Care” meeting held after the bipartisan agreement, “Considering the increase in households raising pets and the heightened awareness of the people and international status, we will push for the enactment of a special law to eradicate dog meat consumption within this year as soon as possible.” (source){vi02})The government plans to strengthen the crackdown on illegal dog farms and other establishments under the current law, while granting a three-year grace period, taking into account the closure of businesses. Yu, the committee head, stated, “We will prohibit the breeding, slaughtering, distribution, and sale of dogs for consumption, but considering the preparation period for full-time and closure of businesses, we will begin the crackdown from 2027.” Once the bill is enacted, dogs will be excluded from livestock under the Livestock Act. (source){vi03})Jung Hwang-geun, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, added, “Although it is a three-year grace period, we have not been enforcing the current law strictly. We will strengthen the crackdown even under the current law.” (source)The government also announced its policy to provide maximum support for farmers and slaughterhouses who will inevitably have to close down due to the eradication of dog meat consumption. Yu stated, “However, the support will be limited to those who meet the reporting and compliance requirements. We will reflect the government’s opinion, communicate with stakeholders, and provide proactive cooperation.” According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, there are 1,156 farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution businesses, and 1,666 restaurants that will need to close down due to the eradication of dog meat consumption. (source)In addition, the government proposed the activation of pet insurance as part of the comprehensive plan for improving animal medical care. Yu stated, “To allow pet owners to know the expected costs of treatment in advance, we will expand the current notification requirement from major treatments to all treatment items and expand the publication of medical fees.” (source)The government also plans to establish a dispute resolution system and procedures for animal medical accidents. Yu stated, “We will establish a system and procedures for dispute resolution in the event of medical accidents and establish a mediation obligation organization when animal medical accidents occur.” (source)There are also expectations for the introduction of “advanced animal hospitals” where animals can receive high-level treatment. The government announced that it will introduce a system of advanced hospitals specializing in high-level services such as ophthalmology and dentistry to increase pet owners’ choice of animal hospitals. (source)Kim Young-won, journalist, forever@asiae.co.kr (source)