The main breed of dogs for consumption in Korea is Nureong, or a Korean edible dog that is different from those breeds that are kept as pets. Not less, in 2015, there were reports in the media that, in addition to food in Korea, Nureong breeds, many other dog breeds are also used, including former pets. Different breeds of dogs also eaten in many other parts of East and South Asia, including in some regions of China and the Philippines.
Only a small percentage of dog meat is eaten regularly in Korea population, despite the fact that at least once in its up to 30% of South Koreans have tried dogs’ lives. In Korea, there is a large musical collective of people who oppose dog meat eating practices. However, this meat also has a large group of supporters who advocate conservation Korea’s traditional culture with its centuries-old history.
According to the BBC news service, in 2003 in Korea, approximately 4000-6000 restaurants offering meat soups dogs. These soups cost about $ 10, and dog meat dishes are steamed with rice – about $ 25. BBC claims to have Korean cuisine per year up to 8500 tons of dog meat are consumed.
Dog meat is most commonly consumed during the summer. months, in the form of soups or stews. It is believed that similar soups provide good health by balancing vital energy body.
International attention
In 1988, the South Korean government called on its citizens to not to eat dog meat during the summer olympic games in Seoul, to avoid publicity. Also at this time all were closed restaurants serving the most popular dog meat dishes, to improve the image of the country. However, in 1998 in a review article it was reported that despite the government’s official ban in for ten years, nearly 20,000 restaurants continued to cook dog meat dishes.
Discussions on this difficult topic for the country flared up again in 2001 during the World Cup. Organizers championship under pressure from animal rights groups demanded that the Korean government find possible solutions a question. The animal rights movement has prompted a boycott, unless the government bans the sale of dog meat in restaurants Seoul However, this movement turned out to be unfair and inappropriate for a large number of Koreans and did not change the situation.
Discussions about eating dog meat in Korea
Some people in Korea who eat boshintang (translated as “invigorating soup”), it is believed to have healing properties, and, in particular, enhances male energy. Dog meat is believed to have Koreans, helps maintain heat balance and may help avoid overheating during the heat, although in China dog meat used mainly in the winter months, as the Chinese believe that on the contrary, it increases heat. Despite this, no scientific evidence in support of similar properties and health benefits from eating dog meat does not exist.
Many Korean Buddhists consider eating dog meat a crime. Unlike beef, pork or poultry, canine meat has no legal status as food in South Korea. Consequently, farms that raise and train dogs different breeds, working in a semi-legal position. how result, in Korea there are no rules requiring the humane slaughter of dogs on meat.
Controversy surrounding eating dog meat focuses on methods face, which include the use of electric current, strangulation by hanging and physically killing the dog to death. Sometimes still live dogs are thrown into boiling water to remove hair from them. Some people in South Korea believe that dog meat should be legalized so that legal manufacturers can work more humane and comply with hygiene requirements. But, again, many people think that such a practice should be generally prohibited by law.
Recently, some Koreans have changed their attitude towards food from dog meat and consider it “unnecessary cruelty.” Starting out since 1988, international animal activists regularly oppose eating dog meat in South Korea. Not less, Korean nationalists advocate traditional Korean dishes kitchens and accuse animal welfare activists of forcing Westernization. Korean Ministry of Agriculture survey in 2007 showed that 59% of Koreans under 30 do not want to have dogs. 62% of people in the same age group said they consider dogs to be pets, not food. Many young Koreans consider those who eat dogs to be anachronists.
