SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / ACCESSWIRE / June 6, 2024 / On May 24, 2024, a Member of the National Assembly of South Korea, Han Jeoung-ae, welcomed Mr. Genlin, founder of the World Dog Alliance (WDA), back to her office in the Korean National Assembly. Their previous meeting was on February 23, 2024, celebrating the passage of South Korea’s “Special Act on Prohibition of Dog Meat Consumption.” During that time, Mr. Genlin, accompanied by a delegation of U.S. Congress members, visited Korea and was received by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Representative Han Jeoung-ae.
Championing the Legislation Against Dog Meat Consumption
Representative Han Jeoung-ae, a key proponent of the legislation in the National Assembly, has served three consecutive terms and once served as the Minister of Environment. She is renowned as the “most passionate National Assembly member for animal welfare.” Throughout the legislative process, the bipartisan Animal Welfare Forum, co-founded by Representative Park Hong-keun, steadfastly supported the bill. Thanks to their relentless efforts, the “Special Act on Prohibition of Dog Meat Consumption” passed with an overwhelming majority of 208 votes in favor and two abstentions on January 9, 2024, effectively ending the practice of consuming dog meat in Korea.
Further Advocacy for the International Agreement
Despite the law’s passage, concerns remain regarding its implementation during the three-year transition period. In March 2024, the WDA’s advocacy for the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats” was successfully incorporated into the U.S. “2024 Appropriations Act.” This provision is mandatory and permanent, binding the U.S. Department of State to ensure its enforcement beyond the current administration.
Top-Level Discussions and Visits
Riding on the success of this legislative milestone, the WDA delegation visited Korea from May 23-24. During this visit, they met with Representatives Han Jeoung-ae and Park Hong-keun and toured local animal welfare organizations KAWA (Korea Animal Welfare Association) and KARA (Korea Animal Rights Advocates), both instrumental in the legislative process.
Strategic Dialogues on Future Initiatives
In these discussions, they exchanged views on initiating the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats,” incorporating animal protection into school curricula, and embedding animal protection laws in the Korean Constitution. The Korean legislators responded positively, expressing commitment to advancing the agreement internationally through concerted efforts with other countries.
A New Horizon for Animal Welfare
The WDA’s initiatives have provided reassurance and fresh perspectives for Korea’s movement against the consumption of dogs and cats, laying a solid foundation for the international promotion of the agreement.
About the World Dog Alliance:
The World Dog Alliance is a leading international organization dedicated to ending the consumption of dog and cat meat worldwide.
