If the law is passed, the punishment will be imprisonment and larger fines.
South Korea's parliament is facing a groundbreaking decision as it is expected to pass a bill that will ultimately ban the sale and consumption of dog meat in the country.
This was reported by Sky News.
If passed, this decision will mark the end of a cultural practice that dates back several hundred years and was once considered a remedy for the intense summer heat and high humidity in South Korea.
Support for a total ban on dog meat has seen a significant increase, especially since President Yoon Suk-yeol, known for his public commitment to animal welfare, took office.
The president and the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, have actively adopted several stray dogs and cats, and their personal commitment to animal protection has inspired broader awareness of the treatment of animals.
The bill, which was approved by the parliament's agricultural committee on Monday, is expected to receive final approval on Tuesday. If enacted as legislation, there will be a three-year transition period before the ban comes into effect.
Violating the dog meat law could result in a penalty of up to three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won, equivalent to about $22.700.
This move towards a total ban is seen as an attempt to address growing concerns about animal welfare and reflects a change in attitude among many South Koreans, who now see dogs as pets rather than food.
