MEP calls for South Korean ban on dog meat

Date: 30/05/02

By Martin Banks

THE European Commission is being urged to put pressure on World Cup co-hosts South Korea to outlaw the eating of dog meat, which is a popular dish in the country.

Belgian MEP Nelly Maes, a member of the Green/European Free Alliance group, says the tournament, which starts tomorrow (31 May), is the 'ideal opportunity' to press for an end to the custom.

Maes has written to Commission President Romano Prodi asking him to join her in condemning the mistreatment of dogs.

'The World Cup would serve as an appropriate moment for Korea to show the world that it is sensitive to vociferous worldwide public opinion and that it rejects cruelty,' she said.

There has been strong criticism by animal rights campaigners, including French former actress Brigitte Bardot, denouncing South Korea's tradition of eating dog meat.

Thousands of dogs are bred there specifically for human consumption - mainly in a spicy stew called poshintang, which is said to improve vitality and health.

South Korea banned restaurants from selling dog meat during the 1988 Seoul Olympics but spicy dog soup is still popular in summertime, especially among older men.

Many South Koreans, however, are angry at the criticism and the West's efforts to change a cultural tradition.

The European Commission is being urged to put pressure on South Korea to outlaw the eating of dog meat.