Common Questions

The eating of dogs and cats is a tradition in Korea; who are you to pass judgment on another country's cultural practices?

The practice of eating dogs gained popularity after the Korean War due to widespread starvation. It grew in popularity after reconstruction because dog dealers and restaurants began to falsely claim that eating dog meat was healthy. In reality, the trade in dog meat has more to do with reaping profits than any sort of tradition. Sadly, however, the custom has spread to the next generation of Koreans who did not live through the war and believe without questioning the myths passed down by some elders. In some cases, young Koreans eat dog meat in an effort to rebel against what they view as westernization of their country.

Aren't dogs considered food animals in Korea anyway?

Dogs are well-loved animals in Korea and many people keep dogs as companions. A small portion of the population does view dogs as food animals. However, regardless of what is viewed as their "purpose" in Korea or elsewhere, it cannot be denied that dogs, like other animals, are capable of feeling pain and suffering. It is unacceptable that they should be kept in filthy crates, forced to watch one another be bludgeoned to death. It is illegal in Korea and we should stop short of nothing to ensure that existing laws are enforced.

Although cats are not as commonly kept as companions in Korea as dogs, there is a growing trend for Koreans to recognize cats as caring, sensitive creatures. Cat supplies are more widely available in "pet" stores in Korea than ever before.

There are dogs and cats suffering in the U.S. Why don't you start with those here first?

Sadly, there are animals suffering all over the world, and IDA is doing everything in its power to end all animal abuse and suffering. Please click here to learn about IDA's other campaigns.

If people are starving in Korea, they should be able to eat dogs and cats.

Credit: Animal Freedom Korea

Eating dogs and cats is no answer to starvation. The majority of Koreans who eat dogs and cats do so because they believe it will improve virility, not because they are starving. In fact, according to the World Bank, South Korea has recently had tremendous economic success "experiencing rapid economic growth and significant reductions in poverty." The South Korean Marketing & Market Research News recently stated that the country maintains a "high standard of living and relatively little poverty." If you are concerned about the starving, you should support a vegetarian lifestyle, as so much of the grain that is produced in the world is used to fatten animals up for meat that if we all went vegetarian, there would be enough food for the entire world to eat.

What can I do to help Korean dogs and cats?

Please click here to read more about what you can do to encourage the Korean Government to enforce the Animal Protection Act.