South Korea's parliament passed a bill banning the trade and consumption of dog meat on Jan. 9.

Those who violate the law may face up to three years' jail or a fine of up to 30 million won (S$30,357).

The bill marks the end of a centuries-old practice in the country, as younger South Koreans perceive dogs as pet.

It was unanimously passed with a 208-0 vote and two abstentions.

"Boshintang", known as dog meat stew, is a delicacy among older South Koreans and was traditionally consumed during the summer to combat fatigue, as was the belief.

However, the bill does not state penalties for those who choose to consume dog meat.

"An international embarrassment"

The Korea Times reported that there are approximately 1,156 dog farms and 1,666 restaurants for dog meat consumption in Korea, according to the latest government survey.

Public perception of animal welfare in recent years has elicited strong disapproval over eating dogs, with many seeing the custom to be "an international embarrassment", as according to Yonhap News Agency.

A survey conducted by South Korean animal welfare research group released on Jan. 8 found that 93.4 per cent of Koreans had no intention of consuming dog meat in the future.

Some 82.3 per cent of respondents from the same survey also supported the ban on dog meat trade.

Restaurant owners selling dog meat demand compensation

Restaurant owners who sell dog meat are demanding compensation following the ban.

The bill stated that those in the dog meat industry are required to register their businesses and submit plans detailing how they plan to downsize and ultimately close their establishments.

They will also be compensated through government support money and low interest loans as they make their transition to another profession.

However, some argued that many dog meat sellers are senior citizens who have invested their fortune to run the business and it would be difficult for them to transition to another industry.

“I've made a living from this restaurant for over 40 years, and now I have only three years before I must shut it down. I have no idea what to do next,” a dog meat restaurant owner in Seoul told The Korea Times, on condition of anonymity.

A three-year grace period has been provided till 2027 before the bill is set to be enforced.

Top image via Valerie Blanchett / Unsplash