Prof Ronny R Noor Discusses The Dog Meat Consumption Habits of South Koreans
South Korea annually slaughters 700,000 to 1 million dogs for meat consumption. This is a spectacular number for animal lovers, although in the last 10-20 years the number has decreased.
“Although it is still gray, it seems that the South Korean government has begun to intervene in regulating the habit of eating dog meat because of pressure from domestic animal lovers as well as from the international world,” said IPB University Ecological Genetics Expert, Prof Ronny Rachman Noor.
Prof Ronny Noor explained, currently the South Korean government is proposing a bill that will phase out the habit of consuming dog meat until 2027.
“But the government’s efforts have been strongly challenged by dog breeders because the habit of consuming dog meat in South Korea has been going on for centuries,” he said.
He added that this protest is understandable because dog meat is an industry that has an economic impact, especially on dog breeders and restaurant owners.
“The existence of this law prohibiting the consumption of dog meat not only reduces employment but also eliminates traditions that have been going on for centuries,” continued Prof Ronny.
According to the Professor of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry of IPB University, efforts to prohibit the consumption and trade of dog meat are not only reducing jobs but also eliminating traditions that have lasted for centuries.
“Lately, it seems that public awareness of the habit of consuming dog meat is increasing because it concerns animal rights as well as the image of South Korea in the international world,” said Prof Ronny.
He explained that the habit of consuming dog meat is not only practiced in South Korea but also in other countries in the Asian region.
“In practice, if this law is enacted, the South Korean government will provide financial support for dog breeders, dismantle dog raising facilities and provide training so that dog breeders can switch professions,” he explained.
He said people who consume dog meat belong to the age group of 60 to 70 years. So the habit of consuming dog meat will disappear slowly in the next 15-20 years, but the existence of this law will provide certainty while accelerating the elimination of this habit.
“The world is always spinning, there will be traditions and habits that are no longer relevant to current conditions such as consuming dog meat. Hopefully what happened in South Korea will be a valuable lesson for Indonesia,” said Prof Ronny. (*/Lp) (IAAS/Ard)
