Just when it seems like the dog meat trade is becoming smaller, something terrible occurs. North Korea has never been a dog-friendly country, but many families still had beloved animals living in their households. Now, Kim Jong Un has banned family pets, and he’s rounding up all the dogs in the country. Many families are outraged and heartbroken, but what’s worse is where these dogs will be going. The ban took place in July, and now, during the country’s food shortage, officials are collecting the dogs. It has been reported that the majority of these canines will be sold for dog meat. It’s terrifying to even imagine.
Why Are Dogs Banned?
Kim announced that dogs are now considered a “decadent luxury” and “a tainted trend by bourgeois ideology” in North Korea. In other words, he feels that dogs are more of a status for wealthy people rather than a family member. But any true dog parent knows that this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Ordinary people raise pigs and livestock on their porches, but high-ranking officials and the wealthy own pet dogs, which stoked some resentment,” a source said.
Now, no one in North Korea is allowed to have a dog in their family. As heartbreaking as it is, dogs will be taken away from their families. Most people don’t know exactly where their best friends will go, but they have some idea. Sadly, it’s too horrifying to even consider.
What Will Happen to These Dogs?
It has been reported that some dogs will be sent to zoos while others will be sold to restaurants, where dogs are often consumed in North Korea. A recent report by the UN estimated that about 60% of North Korea’s population is experiencing food shortages. So, there are millions of people struggling for food, and Kim seems to think confiscating dogs is the only way to solve it. It’s a brutal and unforgivable way to think.
Of course, people can try to hide their dogs, but it hasn’t seemed to work well so far. After all, dogs need to go outside often for bathroom breaks and fresh air. Officials are always on the lookout for people who still have dogs so they can confiscate them.
“Authorities have identified households with pet dogs and are forcing them to give them up or forcefully confiscating them and putting them down,” the source added.
Dog parents are furious with this unreasonable decision. It’s heartbreaking to think that on the same planet as us, someone is losing their furry friend for meat. In fact, several places still sell dog meat, and it needs to stop now. The Humane Society International might not be able to stop North Korea, but they are working to stop as much dog meat consumption as possible. Visit their site to find out how you can help put an end to these inhumane practices.
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