With the World Cup soccer finals drawing near, the debate over Korea's cultural acceptance of eaing dog meat is pitting supporters, such as owners of dog meat restaurants, against opponents like animal rights activists.

Over one hundred people who run dog meat restaurants in the Seoul-Gyeonggi area gathered in Seoul yesterday to launch a joint front to fight the "forces of groundless criticism" against dog-meat eating.

The restaurateurs issued a statement in which they vowed to address criticism of dog-eating actively, and put an end to what they allege are the government's moves to suppress the tradition of eating dog meat.

They urged the government to legalize dog meat sales, saying they will ensure hygiene standards are enforced in the raising and slaughtering of dogs.

The restaurant owners will take a further step to defend what they call a dietary tradition. They would be willing to devise new recipes as a means to develop dog meat as a source of tourism and seek other ways to use dog meat to enhance the nation's health.

The dog meat restaurant owners had planned to hold the meeting earlier in the month in Ilsan, a northern suburb of Seoul. But the plan was aborted because Korea Telecom refused to rent the space in the face of protests from animal rights groups and other citizens.

"It seems appropriate that owners of dog meat restaurants should form a joint front," said Prof. Ann Yong-geun of Chung Cheong College in North Chungcheong Province. "Otherwise, they will be left defenseless against all kinds of criticism directed at them," Ann said.

Ann, a food science professor, said he wasn't convinced by animal rights activists' argument against dog meat. "They usually argue from the viewpoint of animal protection, but animal protection is meant for animals facing extinction, which doesn't include dogs," he said.

The restaurant owners' move to form an alliance is facing strong challenges from animal rights groups.

Six major animal rights groups in Korea, led by the Anti-Dogmeat Movement Headquarters, plan to stage a street event on Sunday in Daehangno, Seoul. It will include photo exhibitions and performances featuring real dogs.

The groups are also expected to issue a statement in which they will inform the public of what could be negative consequences of keeping the tradition.

"The dietary tradition of eating dog meat is confusing the values of younger generations and causing anger and mental suffering to many people," according to the prepared statement released to the press in advance.

An official with the group said they plan to stage an anti-dog meat campaign once every month until the World Cup finals begin May 31.

(This item is worth sending on for the revealing comment by Ann. The concept of only animals facing extinction being worthy of any protection from abuse seems incomprehensible to us, and perhaps illustrates the enormous gulf between the dog-eaters and ourselves better than any other. This is no matter of "culture", but simply the belief that animals have no rights, and exist purely to serve the whim of man - ITD)