Korean Dog Farmers to Unleash 2 Million Hounds- Analysis

Dog meat farmers in South Korea have threatened to release 2 million canines onto the streets if the government bans consumption of dog meat, according to Reuters. The controversy over the proposed ban has led to protests from farmers and restaurant owners who breed dogs for meat. They are urging the government not to pass the ban this year. Joo Young-bong, head of the Korea Dog Meat Farmers’ Association, called the idea of outlawing canine meat “crazy” and said that members of the organization are considering releasing 2 million dogs near major government buildings and the homes of lawmakers who support the ban.

In July, the organization staged a campaign protesting against animal rights activists by eating dog meat publicly and offering it to passersby. Joo Young-bong argues that eating dog meat is a right that should not be violated and claims that a ban amounts to discrimination.

South Korean First Lady Kim Keong-hee has expressed her support for ending the dog meat culture and declared that “humans and animals should coexist” at a press conference in August, according to the Korean Times. The ruling conservative People’s Power Party is proposing a maximum penalty of five years in prison or a fine of 50 million won (US$38,000) for the dog meat trade. On the other hand, the liberal Democratic Party of Korea is calling for a three-year prison sentence and a fine of up to 30 million won (US$23,000).

A recent study by Nielsen Korea commissioned by Humane Society International (HSI) in Korea found that 86% of respondents have no plans to eat dog meat and the majority supports a ban. Sangkyung Lee, dog meat campaign manager for HSI/Korea, said that politicians from all parties are showing support for a ban and cited cruelty and unsanitary conditions as the main reasons for the proposed ban. If approved by the government, the measures will go into effect in 2027 and businesses that suffer losses as a result of the ban will receive financial support.

In terms of credibility, the sources used in the article include Reuters, the Korean Times, and the South China Morning Post. These are reputable news organizations that generally adhere to journalistic standards. However, it’s important to note that the sources may have their own biases or agendas. The article does not provide any direct quotes or statements from government officials or experts on the topic, which could have added more credibility to the information presented.

The article presents the facts surrounding the controversy over the proposed ban on dog meat but does not thoroughly explore the reasons behind the ban or present counter-arguments from those who support the dog meat industry. The article also lacks a comprehensive analysis of the potential impact of the ban on various stakeholders, including the farmers, restaurant owners, and consumers.

There is the potential for bias in the article, particularly in the way the argument against the ban is presented. The article focuses on the threat of releasing 2 million dogs onto the streets and portrays the dog meat farmers as antagonistic. While this is certainly a concerning issue, it may not represent the full range of perspectives on the matter. The article could have included more viewpoints from different stakeholders to provide a more balanced and nuanced understanding of the situation.

Given the prevailing political landscape and the prevalence of fake news, the public’s perception of the information in this article may be influenced by their existing beliefs and biases. Those who are already opposed to the consumption of dog meat may view the threat to release dogs onto the streets as an extreme and inhumane response, supporting the ban. On the other hand, supporters of the dog meat industry may see the ban as an infringement on their rights and cultural practices, arguing against the proposed legislation. The lack of a comprehensive analysis and the focus on one side of the argument can contribute to misinformation or a limited understanding of the topic.

Source: RT news: Korean dog farmers threaten to release 2 million hounds