Dog meat hot among Korea and China's trendy young

The Straights Times ^ | 30 June 2002 | Ng Hui Hui

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Dog meat hot among Korea and China's trendy young

Animal-rights activists say it is a food fad fuelled in part by a desire to rebel against Western criticism

By Ng Hui Hui

CANINE cuisine is becoming a fad among the young in South Korea and China, much to the dismay of animal-rights activists.

The cruelty in the handling of dogs during their slaughter has raised the ire of animal-rights activists. Strung by their necks, the dogs are beaten to death.

Restaurant owners and dog-meat watchers confirm that youngsters are now taking dog meat as part of their regular diet - much like beef or chicken - as food joints dish out trendy new recipes to whet appetites.

According to one estimate, 92 per cent of men and 68 per cent of women above 20 in South Korea have tasted dog meat recently.

In China, dog breeders are saying that in a few years, there will be as many Saint Bernard dogs on the mainland as cows and sheep.(?)

Although past data on dog-meat consumption is not available, those concerned say the numbers would have been low earlier - since dog meat was considered a type of tonic for the older generation, eaten to increase libido and treat illnesses.

Catering to the fad, on sale now are hotdogs with real dog meat, dog cookies and sandwiches and even dog noodles as restaurants come up with fast-food variations.

Traditional recipes such as kimchi, a spicy fermented vegetable dish, are being given a make- over and are now prepared with dog meat extracts.

Dog meat chefs hope to add more varieties soon.

South Korean nutritionist Ahn Young Geun, who wrote a book titled Koreans and Dogmeat, has come up with more than 350 new recipes.

The professor, who is often referred to as Dr Dogmeat, believes dog-meat consumption should be increased because it offers three times more calcium than other types of meat.

Besides the nutritional value, nationalistic pride seems to be playing a part, said Ms Kyenan Kum, founder of the animal-rights group International Aid for Korean Animals.

About 2.6 million dogs are killed yearly for food in South Korea, Mr Louis Ng, president of Singapore-based Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), told The Sunday Times.

This is a 30 per cent increase over the 1993 figures.

'Eating dog meat is a show of defiance, especially among rebellious young people. They feel that the West has no right to criticise their culture,' he said.

Reflecting this sentiment, a group of students from Seoul University set up a website recently to promote the virtues of dog meat and secured 11,000 signatures in support of its campaign.

But it is the cruelty in the handling of dogs - man's best friend in the West - that is raising hackles among animal-rights activists.

Dogs are usually strung up by their necks and beaten repeatedly to increase the flow of adrenaline in their flesh. Consumers believe the more pain the animals suffer, the more tender the meat becomes.

The dogs would struggle, howl, urinate and bleed till they become unconscious. Finally, they are chopped into pieces. All these are done in front of other dogs awaiting the same fate.

Now, for the first time, an Asian grouping called Asia Link - made up of 14 animal welfare societies from 12 nations - has decided to join the protest and has sent a letter to the South Korean government urging a ban on dog meat.

Said Mr Ng of Acres, an Asia Link member: 'The Koreans say eating dog meat is part of their culture, but one cannot use culture to justify violence.'

Mounting criticisms made South Korea and China ban the trade for short periods in 1988 and 1999 respectively. But that has not kept South Koreans and Chinese from hankering for their dog burgers and dog noodles.

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KOREAN CUISINE: Dog dishes

New dishes:

• Mandoo - Dog meat dumplings

• Soondae - Dog meat sausages

• Fast food - Dog meat burgers and dog meat sandwiches

• Kimchi - A spicy fermented vegetable dish, some now have dog meat extracts Traditional dishes:

• Poshintang - A 'body preservation stew' believed to cure illnesses and increase libido

• Dooroochiggi - Seasoned dog meat

• Yakgaejungtang - Dog meat soup with medical herbs

[Rebelbase]

She's no dog.

[4Freedom]

Those prices are probably a king's ransom in China, where people earn $0.25 an hour.

How much are the degenerate, South Korean, sex-addicts paying to try to increase their sexual potency, with boiled alive and blow-torched dog meat, in South Korea?

I ask, because some might see the Chinese prices you quoted as a deliberate attempt, on your part, to imply that the cost would be the same in South Korea.

You're not trying to do that, are you?

[Lake]

>>I ask, because some might see the Chinese prices you quoted as a deliberate attempt, on your part, to imply that the cost would be the same in South Korea.

I don't know the prices for dog meat in Korea because I haven't done the research on that part yet. I believe facts. I do know dog meat is much more popular in Korea than in China, so I can reasonably assume that dog meat may not be more expensive than beef or seafood there. The demand-supply curve of economics tells us the price goes down when you can sell more.

[4Freedom]

The practice of eating dog meat is technically illegal in South Korea. That would tend to make dog meat a little more expensive. No?

[AmericanInTokyo]

I'll be darned. There it is right on the price list in Chinese. The fourth item from the bottom in the right hand column. Selling good old' 'gou rou' (dog beef). Isnt't that something.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Check this out from a Hanoi, Vietnam travel guide on the web:

"Casual eating en masse proves popular as locals and foreigners stretch the early evening hours. The easily adjoining tables, large menus and low prices of bia hois (beer halls) make these Hanoi institutions popular places for large groups. A few places currently en vogue include Quan Bia Minh, Bia Hoi Dai Nam, Cua Hang Bac Nam Bia Hoi and 60 Ly Thuong Kiet Street. For a truly Vietnamese gastronomical experience, assemble a group for a "dogs dinner" at Anh Tu Thit Cho Restaurant. As dog is the only option there, vegetarians might want to try Com Chay Nang Tam Vegetarian Restaurant and meet up with their carnivorous friends later."

[FormerLurker]

The only kind of hard they're going to get, coming into my yard, is rigor mortis.

If they tried to come into my yard, my Rotty might just decide to have THEM for lunch... :)

[Lake]

>The practice of eating dog meat is technically illegal in South Korea.

Noooooooooooooo! It is printed on all travel guides as #1 tourist attraction in Korea (both North and South).

[Lake]

If you compare the price of dog meat with those of spicy sweet sour pork and pork tongue with spicy oil, you will find the dog meat is actually cheaper than pork, depending on the ways it is cooked.

[FormerLurker]

I don't think dog meat is more expensive than beef in China or Korea.

Not sure about beef, but pork and chicken, both of which are plentiful, are cheaper than dog meat. As far as that $800 figure, the article wasn't clear if that was in relation to dogs shipped to Korea from the US for breeding purposes, but I'd think that's what they meant.

[FormerLurker]

I understand this is a tough issue. However, while this may be true, it is no different than what takes place in any slaughter house for any animal you eat.

We don't mistreat and torture animals before slaughtering them. Cattle aren't hung upside down and slowly tortured to death to make the meat tastier, or to improve it's effects on virility. The torture of these animals is what is indefensible. No matter how you look at it, this is just plain wrong.

[Revelation 911]

This shows the error of Christianity in not also adopting from Judaism the kosher laws in the book of Leviticus.

That gives Islam a leg up across the third world, for the latter forbids dog and pig meat as food.

So God was wrong when He gave us dominion over the animals & Christ freed us from the law (works of man without faith / legalism)? -

[Lake]

>>because they believe it will improve their sexlife?

Sounds like sex is a shame or sin to you. Sex is an inalienable part of joy of life. Asians don't believe western medicines because they tend to cause side effects and literally use up your potential of the whole life. They believe natual, heahth food, like ginseng, deer blood, pigion eggs, sparrow meat, and of course tiger penis which is absolutely illegal in China now. Ants works great too.

[Revelation 911]

As far as I can see, horsemeat is okay. However, dog and cat is over the line.

Maybe dogmeat, humanely dispatched -the brits did it in WW2 when there was little to eat

I remember horsemeat for sale as a young man at the grocery during beef shortages in the 70's here in the states. It had vividly orange fat.

But - the french like it, so thats reason enough for me to hate it

As for cat, why bother? - high feed/low yield ratio

[Lake]

>>but pork and chicken, both of which are plentiful, are cheaper than dog meat.

Yes, they are plentiful becasue of the huge demand, but I dont know if the wholesale prices of raw prok and chicken are cheaper than that of dog meat since dog meat is not considered decent food. Economics works here. It all depends on demand and supply.

[A.J.Armitage]

Now you have paranoid fantasies about sneaky Orientals lurking around waiting for a dog to snatch.

The propaganda has done its work.

[FormerLurker]

Noooooooooooooo! It is printed on all travel guides as #1 tourist attraction in Korea (both North and South).

The following Korean Animal Protection Law
was adopted on May 7, 1991.
Article 1. Purpose
The purpose of this act is to provide the adequate protection and management of animals by preventing their mistreatment and to cultivate Korean peoples' spirit to care for the animal's lives and their safety and to respect animal 's lives.

Article 2. Definition
The terminology used in this act shall be defined as follows:
1. "Animals" means cattle, horse, swine, dog, cat, rabbit, chicken, duck, goat, sheep, deer, fox, mink and other species as designated by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
2. "Caretaker" means one who breeds, keeps and protects an animal for the owner of the animal.

Article 3. Protection of Animals
In keeping, caring and protecting of animals, everyone shall try, to the maximum extent possible, to preserve the animals' natural habits and to guarantee their normal lives.

Article 4. Animal Protection Campaign
1. The Minister of Agriculture and fisheries may encourage public or civic organizations to conduct animal protection campaigns (hereinafter called "animal protection campaign") and other related activities aimed at promoting the love of animals.
2. The Minister of Agriculture may support for the public or civic organizations to conduct animal protection campaigns and other related activities when necessary by article 4, paragraph 1.

Article 5. Proper Care, Keep, Raise and Management
1. Efforts shall be made to ensure that animals are properly fed, watered and exercised and that they receive adequate rest and sleep.
2. Sick or injured animals shall receive necessary and immediate attention from the owner or caretaker of the animal.
3. Those caring for wild animals or for animals who are being moved, shall try to take all necessary steps to allow the wild animals to accommodate themselves to their new environment by the owner or caretaker of the animal.

Article 6. Prohibition of Mistreatment of Animals
1. No one shall kill animals in a way which is cruel or which provokes disgust without proper, rational reason.
2. Animals shall not be subject to the infliction of unnecessary pain or injury without proper, rational reason.

Article 7. Management of Abandoned Animals
1. When the Mayor, County Magistrate or District Chief (hereinafter Mayor, County Magistrate) finds a wandering or abandoned animal in a public place, such as street or a park, the administrative authority shall take all the necessary measures to protect or manage (hereinafter "Protective Measures") such animal in accordance with the provisions set forth in article 5.
2. The Mayor or County Magistrate shall take necessary steps, such as porting a public to inform the owner or the caretaker of the fact that his animal is subject to Protective Measures in accordance with the paragraph 1.
3. In the case of when the authority can not identify the owner or caretaker of the animal after one month of period of posting a public notice in accordance with the Paragraph 2 and in spite of the Article 253 of the CIVIL LAW, then the related City, County or Self governing Ku (hereinafter City, County) will have the right to own the animal.
4. Mayor, County Magistrate can donate the animal of the City or County in accordance with the Paragraph 3 to the animal lovers, animal welfare groups, zoo or scientific research centers.
5. The Mayor or County Magistrate may collect expense incurred for the Protective Measures form the owner of the caretaker of such animal.
6. Method of the Protective Measures in accordance with the Paragraph 1, expenditure of the Paragraph 5 and other Protective Measures will be governed by Seoul City, Direct-Controlled Cities or Provinces' their own provisions.

Article 8. Methods of Slaughtering Animals
When an animal has to be slaughtered with proper rational reason, to the maximum extent possible using methods without pain.

Article 9. Surgery on Animals
Surgery on animals such as castration, de-horning and docking tails shall follow veterinary methods.

Article 10. Experiments with Animals
1. Experiments using animals for educational reasons, academic research, and for other scientific study study purposes, shall, to the maximum extent possible, utilize methods which cause no pain to the subject animals.
2. A person who has conducted experiment described in the foregoing Paragraph 1. shall inspect the subject animals immediately after the conclusion of the experiments and if the animals will suffer lasting pain or be invariable, then such animals shall be put to death in a merciful way as soon as possible.

Article 11. Limit of Application
Paragraph 1 and 2 of Article 6 shall not apply in any of the following cases:
1. Slaughtering of animals for human consumption in accordance with the Livestock Product Sanitation and Inspection Act.
2. Hunting in accordance with the Wildlife Protection and Hunting Act.
3. Slaughtering animal for the use of fur or leather and other industrial purposes.
4. Without slaughtering animal for collecting horns and blood for the use of medicine and other industrial purposes.
5. Measures taken to prevent the damage to property, harm to human and life caused by animal.
6. Other cases determined by the Minister of Agriculture to be inappropriate for coverage by the Paragraph 1 and 2 of Article 6.

Article 12. Criminal Fine
Anyone who maltreats animals in violation of Article 6 shall be subject to a fine of up to 200,000 won or detention.

Addendum
This Act shall come into effect after one month as of the date of its promulgation.

RELATED LAW

LIVESTOCK PRODUCT SANITATION AND INSPECTION ACT
Article 2. (Definition, etc...)
The terminology used in this act shall be defined as follows:
1. "Livestock" means cows, horses, sheep (including wild sheep), pigs, (including wild boars which breed domestically. Same with the following: chicken, duck and other animals prescribed by presidential decree.

LIVESTOCK PRODUCT SANITATION AND INSPECTION ACT ENFORCEMENT ORDINANCE
Article 2. (Extent of livestock) :
"Other animals prescribed by the presidential decree" of the Article 2., Paragraph 1 of livestock product sanitation and inspection act are stated following each paragraph.
1. Geese, turkeys, quails and pheasants but, quails and pheasants are limited to breeding domestically.
2. Rabbits.

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A statement from Dr. Leslie Sims

Senior Veterinary Officer, Hong Kong
Agriculture and fisheries Department. Jan 26, 99
"We see no way that you can kill dogs for food in a humane manner, and this includes both the way that you kill the animal's and also the pre-slaughter arrangements as well. The dogs would be highly stressed in a situation, as you would have in an abattoir or a situation such as that.

There are internationally accepted standards for slaughter of other livestock; for cattle and pigs, which minimize the stresses on the animals and which have been internationally accepted.

For dogs there are no such standards available.

There is no way that you can actually kill a dog humanely in that sort of situation."

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Official Letter from the Ministry of Health

THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
1 Joongang-dong, Kwachun City, Kyounggi-do, 427-760
Tel: (02)503-7583 Fax: (02)503-7534
Issue Number: 65407 - 1431
Date: November 20, 1998
To: Chief of Korea Animal Protection Society
Address: 1593-19 Daemyoung 10 dong, Nam-ku, Taegu City

Re: Reply to your suggestion
1. This is a reply to your request submitted to the President and sent to our Ministry Nov. 13, 98
2. The cooking and sale of dog meat is forbidden as it is designated as a Disgusting food under the law of Food Sanitation Enforcement Regulations, Article 42 (annexed chart 13), Food business owner's Ordinance 5. There was meeting at the commission of regulation reform to release the limitation of selling dog meat on Oct, 30, 98.
We announce to you that we decided to keep the present restriction.
The Minister of Health and Welfare

[FormerLurker]

		World Cup 2002 What IDA is doing "Dr. Dogmeat" Muzzled!

In Defense of Animals (IDA) has learned that two million South Korean dogs are electrocuted, strangled, or bludgeoned to death each year. Then they're boiled, skinned, browned by a torch, chopped up and eaten. All of this cruelty and suffering is enough to make you sick. Where do the dogs come from? Thirty percent are stolen from families that love them. Most are homeless dogs, captured by butchers and sold in open markets. The tragic reality is that authorities are turning a blind eye to this outrageous bloodbath ... even though Korean law forbids the sale and consumption of dog meat. Even though the country's Animal Protection Law considers dogs to be "domestic pets." Let me assure you the eating of dog meat isn't based on any deeply rooted Korean tradition. Koreans have only eaten dogs when poverty has been widespread, as was the case during World War II. Even in those hard times, dogs were treated as companion animals. Now, however -- with the unspoken blessing of the government, greedy, unscrupulous dog traders in South Korea promote the myth that canine meat increases male sexual prowess and general health. This illegal industry has organized itself well. It bribes government officials and police ... hires thugs to intimidate animal welfare campaigners ... and induces newspapers to extol the "virtues" of dog meat. And although the vast majority of Koreans don't eat dog meat, official figures indicate there are at least 6,484 stores nationwide dealing in this horrific trade. It's inconceivable to me that a being we consider "man’s best friend" could be so brutally killed, skinned, and butchered. "I asked about the eating of dogs and was told over an over that it didn't happen anymore. You can imagine my shock and horror upon getting lost in one of the huge markets in downtown Taegu. I looked down and saw the head of a dog with its legs stuffed in its mouth. I saw limbs that were skinned. Everywhere I turned there were dogs in cages. The smell was overwhelming. That market, that sweltering hot August day, was what I envisioned hell to be like." –An American teacher in South Korea The fate of the innocent... In spite of a 1991 law which prohibits the human consumption of dogs and cats, a flourishing industry exists within the markets of Korea. Illegal and unsanitary dog farms are hidden away in the countryside where breeders raise their stock for the butchers.

[A.J.Armitage]

More envirowacky animals rights crap.