The South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, has raised banning the eating of dogs in the country, his office said, a traditional practice that is becoming an international embarrassment.
The practice is something of a taboo among younger generations and pressure from animal rights activists has been mounting.
Moon asked the prime minister, Kim Boo-kyum, during a weekly meeting on Monday, according to the presidential spokesperson.
South Korea’s pet industry is on the rise, with a growing number of people living with dogs at home – the president among them.
Moon is a known dog lover and has several canines at the presidential compound, including one he rescued after taking office.
Moon made the remarks as he was briefed on a plan to improve the care system for abandoned pets, his spokeswoman said.
South Korea’s animal protection law is intended mainly to prevent the cruel slaughter of dogs and cats but does not ban consumption itself. »
