South Korea's parliament has voted to ban the killing and selling of dogs for meat, a move applauded by animal rights groups. While consuming dog meat remains legal, those farming, butchering, or selling dogs for consumption could face up to three years in prison.
The legislation, backed by pet lovers, including the first lady, aims to end the centuries-old practice. However, it has sparked protests from dog farmers. The ban, effective in three years, hopes to curb consumption by prohibiting sales. The industry criticizes the decision, advocating for a natural decline in dog meat popularity.
Animal rights groups, long campaigning for the ban, praise the move as a step towards ending cruelty. Past attempts to ban dog meat date back to the 1980s, with the current president and first lady being animal lovers.
Vocabulary:
• Butcher: to slaughter animals for meat.
• Jailed: confined in prison.
• Transition: the process of changing or moving from one state to another.
• Compensated: receiving payment or reimbursement for a loss.
• Hygienic: clean and conducive to maintaining health.
• Cruel: causing pain or suffering intentionally.
• Declining: decreasing in popularity or number.
• Prohibit: officially forbid or disallow.
Source: BBC News