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http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2002/07/01/200207010031.asp

 

South Korea to toughen law to protect animals from

abuse

 

The Korean government is seeking to pass a law that

would strengthen the current animal protection act, in

order to prevent inhumane treatment of animals,

officials said yesterday.

" It may be nonsense that foreigners criticize Koreans

eating habits in light of cultural relativism, " said

an official, citing overseas criticism of the custom

of eating dog meat in Korea. " But slaughtering dogs in

an inhumane way is a matter of serious concern. "

 

As part of the post-World cup measures to enhance

Korea's international image, the government is taking

steps to curb animal abuse, the official said.

 

The new law envisaged by the government would

specifically prevent slaughtering dogs by beating and

killing them in open areas, as well as displaying dog

meat in restaurants. It will also include a ban on

slaughtering cows after forcing them to drink an

excessive amount of water.

 

Traditionally dogs were hung or beaten with bats to

soften the flesh before slaughter. Some people used to

force cows to drink water to increase their weight and

in turn earn more money, a practice that has almost

disappeared now. The new act is designed to eradicate

such practices, the officials said.

 

The act would also prohibit using electrocution or

chemicals in fishing for financial gains. Applying

electric currents to shallow fresh water and spraying

lethal chemicals on streams to catch fish are not

unheard-of practices.

 

Since no South Korean law bans the sale of dog meat,

the government can crack down on dog eating by

applying a law against consumption of foods they term

" repulsive, " including snakes.

 

Animal rights advocates have been pushing for changes

to the animal protection law, established in 1991,

under which there have been only several convictions.

 

The animal protection law prohibits killing animals in

ways that are " cruel, " " provoke disgust, " or " inflict

unnecessary pain or injury. " It also bans the

slaughtering of animals " without a proper, rational

reason. "

 

Meanwhile, the Association of Dog Meat Restaurant

Owners have been urging the government to legalize dog

meat sales, which they say will ensure hygiene

standards.

 

They sought to promote dog meat during the World Cup

finals by setting up tasting booths at various soccer

stadiums in Korea. They even considered introducing

dog meat sandwiches or burgers, designed to appeal to

the tastes of non-Koreans.

 

Some lawmakers took steps to revise a livestock law to

include dogs in the category of livestock animals,

which fueled extensive criticism from abroad only

months before the World Cup.

 

(tkbyun)

By Byun Tae-kyung Staff reporter

 

2002.07.01

© Copyright 2000 Digital Korea Herald. All rights

reserved. Contact us

 

 

 

 

- Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup

http://fifaworldcup.

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