In South Korea, domestic animals are often killed in public markets, either by hanging, beating or electrocution

Millions of spectators from around the world will be cheering on their favorite Olympic athletes as they compete in Pyeongchang, South Korea. But while these individuals are giving their best to bring some historic gold to their nations, dogs are being slaughtered for their meat at more than 17,000 dog meat farms around said country, according to Humane Society International.  

According to Humane Society Internation, there are around 17,000 dog meat farms in South Korea

In Asia, dog meat is part of its culture, which means that it’s accepted and enjoyed by many.  The Humane Society International affirms that an estimated 30 million dogs are killed each year for their meat and, until that day comes, they are left alone in something similar to chicken coops, given water only once a day, feed on scraps, and rarely receive medical attention. Needless to say, they do not receive human contact, which is detrimental for their well being.

South Korean authorities temporarily shut down dog meat markets in the time leading up to the Olympic Games

In order to avoid international backlash of said practice, South Korean authorities temporarily shut down dog meat markets in the time leading up to the Olympic Games; leaders of the nation knew that they couldn’t expose inhumane practices, such as the animal being killed in public either by hanging, beating, or electrocution, because it would create an uproar during one of the most important events for the Asian country.

But, for many, that wasn’t good enough.

A petition was started at Change.org demanding a boycott of the Winter Games over said dog-eating practices; this movement has received over a half a million signatures. Regardless, government officials have told international media outlets that most restaurants in Pyeongchang are refusing to stop serving dog meat.

Various athletes, such as Gus Kenworthy and Meagan Duhamel, are using their fame to raise awareness on the situation that they see unfit and inhumane.

Meanwhile, in the United States a bill is being introduced, which seeks to stop the domestic dog and cat meat trade. HR 1406, also known as the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act, is gaining bipartisan support.

It wished to prevent people from knowingly slaughtering a house animal for human consumption. It also bands the transportation, possession, buying, selling, and donating dog or cat meat for human alimentation.

Latin American Post | Susana Cicchetto