South Korea's Dog Meat Industry Faces Growing Backlash

Dog meat consumption has been a long-standing practice on the Korean Peninsula. Still, there is a growing movement to outlaw the business due to increasing public awareness of animal rights and concerns about South Korea's international image. The country's first lady has expressed support for a ban, and lawmakers have submitted bills to eliminate the dog meat trade, as farmers and restaurant owners involved in the industry protest against the laws. Dog meat farms and slaughter are declining due to falling demand and activist campaigns, with many farmers facing financial difficulties. The government has formed a task force to consider the issue, but disputes over compensation have hindered progress.