Each year, millions of dogs are caught up in the brutal and torturous dog meat trade that spans several countries throughout Asia, including South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. While each country presents varying challenges in the fight to end the trade, all make the claim of “culture” or “tradition” to continue the cruelty.

Culture and tradition, however, are never excuses for cruelty. Cruelty is not an element any country should strive to include as part of its culture or tradition. Changing the perception of dogs from a food source to companions within each country is critical in the fight to eliminate the demand for dog meat.

Ironically, removing the claims of culture or tradition are also just as important for visitors to such countries. As prime tourist destinations, many countries tout dog meat dishes as a cultural experience not to be missed. Sadly, many tourists and tour agencies buy into this. When tourists are consuming dog meat, they are not only supporting heinous cruelty, but also risking their own health as dog meat has been associated with both cholera and Trichinellosis outbreaks. Also, many dogs stolen from their families have ingested cyanide or other poisons before capture, and others have been given unknown amounts of antibiotics.

Koryo Tours, one tour agency promoting dog meat as a cultural experience, was recently featured in VICE’s food-centric MUNCHIES website.

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