13/04/2024
We normally send out our newsletter once per year but I couldn’t wait to give you the good news from Korea. On January 7th 2024 the Korean Parliament passed a bill banning the farming of dogs and the sale of dog meat. The Special Act to ban dog meat will begin a three-year phaseout, ending legal dog farming and the sale of dog meat by 2027. The bill was passed with rare bipartisan support, signaling a major cultural shift of the Korean people.
When I heard the news that the law was being proposed I thought it would take a while to pass, I was not expecting the announcement so soon. After decades of campaigning for the welfare of Korean dogs, I cannot truly convey the joy I feel at this moment. I know this does not solve all the problems but it must be recognized as a major victory for the cause and an enormous leap in progress.
Since that time I have been working with local Korean animal shelters and animal rescues to make sure they are moving in the right direction. To help make sure they have the resources to educate people, feed and house their animals, afford medical care, and run spay/neuter operations. For a long time I did not have any hope for legally banning dog meat consumption, but I have noted a change in the social attitudes of a majority of the Korean population, especially in the last few years, toward dogs and cats – with an increase in pet ownership and a significant decrease in dog meat consumption. The current President and First Lady of Korea are noted animal lovers and have been vocal advocates for animal welfare reform. There has also been an increase in the number of animal welfare groups and animal rescues/shelters in Korea.
I would like to take a moment to express gratitude toward the many animal rescues and shelters working on the ground in Korea at this moment, to the various animal advocacy groups in Korea, to the President and First Lady for supporting great progress from their position of power, and most expressly to you – the many supporters of IAKA who fought for, and hoped, and believed that a moment like this was possible. I am so overjoyed to share this moment with you and so grateful for your support.
Kyenan K*m, IAKA Founder