Dogs
The Ministry of Agriculture defines dogs and cats as pets and not livestock. Many Koreans claim that the right to eat dog is a matter of cultural pride stemming from a century's old tradition. We believe however, as do many Koreans, that the habit of eating dogs gained prevalence after the Korean war due to widespread starvation. It grew in popularity after reconstruction because dog dealers and restaurants began to fabricate health benefits derived from eating dog meat. In reality, the trade in dog meat has more to do with greed and profits rather than any sort of tradition. Sadly, the practice has spread to younger Koreans who did not live through the war and believe without question the myths passed down by some elders. Young people have been known to eat dog meat in defiance of what they view as western imperialism. To send a message to the West, dog is sometimes eaten in groups as a display of solidarity and national pride. How quick they are to adopt Western ways at the expense of true tradition, yet hold so tightly to a habit that is so dubious in origin. Koreans will fault America as being an inherently violent society, but they can not see that hanging and beating a dog to death does not exactly set a good example for their children.
It is estimated that more than 2 million dogs are killed and consumed in South Korea every year, and with each dog fetching the equivalent of US $250, it is a lucrative industry protected by powerful corporate interests. Though killing and eating dogs is illegal in South Korea, enforcing the laws are difficult due influences of powerful dog meat lobbyists as well as government officials who are themselves dog eaters. Though it is still a minority of Koreans who eat dogs, it is nevertheless practiced by some of the most powerful people in society.
Look carefully at the following photographs. All of the animals you will see have been inhumanely killed and eaten.
Continue to dog photos