Fiction and FactBelow you will see some quotations from a statement made by Onham Shin, Counsellor for Health and Welfare, of the Korean Embassy in Mass., USA. Following each of these misleading comments is the reality. Can their Embassy be so out of touch with its country, or are these blatant lies? You decide. "Dogs are well loved animals in Korea and are a part of everyday life as human companions and assistants."  Yes, these dogs look well loved! These photos were taken at Moran market, where dogs are tortured and eaten in full view of others waiting to be killed, and the Koreans only love the dogs on their plates."As is the case in several other Asian countries,dog meat is one source of human food in Korea and there is a tiny portion of industry that produces dog meat for human consumption"  In order to meet the demand for dog meat (estimated at 2-2.8 million dogs and cats per year), farms exist throughout the country to breed these animals for slaughter. The title for this web site comes from a Korean dog farmer who, when asked how he felt about his "stock" replied that he felt sorry for them but "it is their destiny"."Visitors to Korea would have difficulty finding Koreans in the general population who have ever eaten dog meat and difficulty finding the few specialized restaurants that serve dog meat."  Hmmmm.....Doesn't seem that difficult, does it? Sights like this are visible a short walk from the tourist areas.A telephone poll taken by KBS in August 2006 revealed that 1 in 3 South Koreans eat dog meat. "The consumption of dog meat in Korea has been a marginal culinary tradition for generations and, in response, the industry has gradually evolved to conform with the demand. A select few types of larger dog are bred for their meat on special farms."  Over 2 million animals per year are not marginal, nor was this Jack Russell a larger dog bred on a special farm. It was probably a stolen pet. While he admits that dog eating occurs, Mr Shin neglects to mention that the cooking and sale of dog meat has been illegal in Korea since 1984. They simply do not enforce their own laws."Korean society is changing as fast as its economy and people experience new tastes, trends, and influences around the world. The Korean food industry and restaurant industry are no different. Already, the young generation has tended to favor the foods and tradition of other cultures on a par with their own. As these changes continue in the future, one can reasonably expect that the Korean interest in the consumption of dog meat, already marginal and exotic, will diminish further."  Far from being on the decline, the practise of dog and cat eating is unfortunately increasing. Up to 20 years ago, dog meat was an extremely small part of the Korean diet and eaten mainly as a result of poverty. The eating of cats was, at this time, unheard of. Korea's new-found prosperity has however seen these "foods" develop into luxury items. Dog meat, at £15 Sterling per kilo, costs more than beef and is eaten more than lamb. As Korea's economy continues to grow, there is no evidence to suggest that dog or cat consumption will not grow with it. Even if this vile practice were in decline, should we turn our backs on the animals currently suffering? "I am happy to assure you that there has never been a culinary tradition in Korea regarding cats, and that cats like dogs, are great objects of Korean affection"    Cats in Korea are not widely regarded as pets, but as disease carrying vermin. This does not however take them out of the food-chain. Lucky stray cats in Korea are tied in sacks and beaten to death with sticks. The unfortunate ones are boiled alive in pressure cookers with selected herbs to produce "goyangi soju", a supposed cures for various sundry ailments. Please visit IAKA's web site for eye-witness reports. It will doubtless come as no surprise that these "remedies" are entirely worthless, and unproven by any scientific methods whatsoever. Culture When they are honest enough to admit that dog and cat eating is rife within their country, the abusers frequently claim that this should be regarded as acceptable because it is a part of their culture. This "culture" of eating domestic pets began during the hardships of the Korean war. It can no more be regarded as a cultural tradition than the cannibalism that is still practised in parts of North Korea, again a result of deprivation rather than choice. Should Korea become re-unified, would they then claim that cannibalism should be allowed to continue in the north? Korea has many proud and beautiful traditions. Its genuine culture is rich, colourful and worthy of celebration. To describe dog and cat eating as being a part of this culture does dishonour to this proud nation and its people. |