In an uproar that has left South Africans scratching their heads, South Korean dog farmers are threatening a bizarre spectacle on the streets of Seoul in response to a proposed ban on dog meat.
The Korea Dog Meat Farmers’ Association has vowed to release a mind-boggling two million dogs near key government landmarks and the homes of lawmakers if the legislation gets the green light.
Time magazine reported that the protest, which unfolded near the presidential office in Seoul this week, took a weird turn as the head of the association, Joo Young-bong, spilled the kibble during a radio show.
“If you ask how big the opposition from farmers is, we’re talking about releasing two million dogs we’re raising,” he exclaimed. The planned sites for this doggy carnival include the presidential office, the agriculture minister’s residence, and the offices of lawmakers who’ve apparently become the arch-nemeses of the canine farming community.
According to an AP report things got even stranger when Joo and two accomplices found themselves in a dogfight with the police during a rally, resulting in their less-than-glamorous arrest.
Authorities responded by setting up barricades, making sure this peculiar protest didn’t turn into a full-blown fur-nado. Despite claims of having 100 dogs ready for the grand release, the police managed to keep the doggy brigade on a tight leash.
A pawsitively historic shift towards animal rights
The proposed legislation, announced by the ruling People Power Party, is on a mission to phase out South Korea’s dog meat trade by 2027. Businesses involved in this controversial trade will need to submit plans to local authorities.
The bill offers a three-year grace period and government financial aid, while offenders could find themselves in the doghouse with a maximum five-year jail sentence or a fine of 50 million won ($38 000).
Strangely enough, the bill received rare support from 44 lawmakers, showcasing a positive change in attitudes towards dog meat consumption. First lady Kim Keon-hee, a staunch supporter of the ban, shares her home with five cats and six dogs, making her the unofficial spokesperson for #TeamCanine. President Yoon Suk Yeol, who previously faced criticism for wanting to name the anti-dog meat bill after his wife, seems to be learning that happy wife equals happy life, even if it involves furry companions.
In a move that could make history, South Korea’s parliament passed the ban on the production and sales of dog meat, responding to public calls for prohibition and potential damage to the country’s international image. Despite the emotional protests from dog farmers, the National Assembly gave the bill a resounding 208-0 vote.
The legislation, set to become law after some bureaucratic nods and the president’s signature, signals a shift towards animal rights and a more harmonious co-existence between humans and animals. The bill even extends an olive branch to dog farmers and industry participants, offering assistance in transitioning to alternative livelihoods.
READ NEXT: Malawi’s maize woes escalate as nation leans towards SA
