A person who kills a dog is sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of 30 million Korean won (about $23,000).
Those who breed dogs for food or who knowingly buy, transport, store or sell food made from dog meat are also subject to fines and imprisonment.
According to CNN, the bill does not provide punishment for eating dog meat. Farms, restaurant owners and others involved in the dog meat industry will be given three years to close their businesses.
According to South Korean authorities, there are about 1,100 dog farms in the country, which feed about half a million dogs.
Farmers are protesting the bill. According to their calculations, about a million people could lose their jobs after the law comes into force.
South Koreans are gradually giving up dog meat. According to a survey conducted by Gallup Korea in 2022, only 8% of respondents said they eat dog meat, compared to 27% in 2015.
More information: According to government statistics, there are about 1,150 dog farms, 34 meat processing plants, 219 distributors and about 1,600 restaurants selling dog meat products.
