Fw: (KR) S. Korea considering crackdown on dog mistreatment ahead of World Cup

November 2, 2001

The Korean Herald

Concerned about its international image, South Korea is considering a

plan to crack down on the mistreatment of dogs before they are slaughtered

for food.

The campaign, expected to begin as early as next month, would be

designed to fend off criticism from international animal rights groups ahead

of the 2002 World Cup soccer tournament.

" We are currently studying a proposal to intensify checks on cruel

killings of dogs, " said Lee Byong-jin, an official at the Prime Minister's

office.

" But it would be realistically impossible to impose a ban on the sale

of dog meat, " Lee said.

He did not specify what kind of measures the government planned to

take, but many so-called " meat dogs " are raised in unhygienic conditions in

crowded cages in the countryside.

Traditionally, dogs were hung or beaten with bats to soften the flesh

before slaughter.

The government has cracked down on these methods and most handlers now

kill dogs swiftly with electric shocks.

No South Korean law bans the sale of dog meat. The government can

crack down on dog-eating by invoking a law against consumption of

" unsightly " foods, including snakes.

South Korea closed thousands of dog meat restaurants in its big cities

during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, but the ban was relaxed after the

Olympics.

International animal rights groups have threatened to protest the

country's role as co-host with Japan of the 2002 World Cup soccer finals if

it allows dog meat sales. (AP)

2001.10.31

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