The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs in South Korea has established a new team, comprising government officials and private experts, dedicated to ensuring the cessation of the country's dog meat industry by 2027. This move comes after the National Assembly passed a special bill on January 9, prohibiting the consumption of dog meat. The team's main objectives include promoting a ban on dog meat consumption, supporting individuals in the dog meat industry to transition to other professions or close their businesses, and facilitating legal procedures for the shutdown of dog meat businesses.
The team consists of two main bureaus: the existing Animal Welfare Policy Division and a newly established bureau focused on banning dog meat consumption. To effectively engage with dog meat traders nationwide, the team has formed partnerships with local governments and established a task force involving central and local authorities. Advisers, including lawyers, property appraisers, and animal rights activists, have joined the team.
The special bill prohibits the establishment of new dog meat businesses and expansion of existing ones. Existing dog meat farms must submit a business closure plan to local authorities within six months. The team aims to work collaboratively with dog meat traders and animal rights groups to explore alternatives and bring an end to the dog meat industry.
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South Korea