"What do you think about eating dog?", my student asked shamefully. This question was asked of me the second day I was in Korea. I looked at her and almost quipped, "are you asking me out for lunch?" Instead I gave the only response that came to mind. "Eating dog is not part of my culture. Dogs in my culture are only pets." "Yes I know, she muttered, but what do you think about Korea eating dog?" "Well from what I've heard dog meat is considered traditional Korean food. Its really none of my business if you choose to eat it or not."  She smiled at my answer and said, "I think eating dog is bad. I don't eat dog." 

     Before coming to Korea I had never really thought much about the issue of animal cruelty. To me it was an issue brought up by old Hollywood actresses like Brigett Bardot and others who wanted to get back in the public eye. I did however cringe over news reports about cosmetic companies spraying chemicals in cats eyes to see if it caused, "irritation". I've been living in Korea for over two years now and this issue follows me everywhere I go. I'm always being asked questions by Koreans about whether or not I've eaten dog meat or not. My friends and family back home have also asked me the same questions, usually in a joking manner. Most of the Koreans I meet seem rather apologetic for the practice that they deem traditional. I used to go along with the idea that eating dog is cultural specific to Korea and that I shouldn't judge. I mean, why not eat dog, isn't it just an animal that we westerners have given a human identity to?
Why is it I often wonder that we don't eat the cute animals. We made a big fuss about dolphins being caught in nets designed for tuna fish. Millions were spent to save the dolphins but what about the tuna? I guess it pays to have a little human identity attached to you, sorry Charlie. 

   I admit I have now changed sides on this issue. It wasn't a particular argument or article that
swayed me, instead it was the trip I took to the dog market. I call it the dog market, but actually its quite a menagerie of livestock. There you can find, dogs, chickens, ducks, rabbits and cats. Yes all of these animals are on the menu. All of the animals are shoved into small cages without benefit of food or water. The cages are tiny and the dogs don't have enough room to lie down. The conditions that these animals have to suffer through are appalling. I really don't care if Koreans want to slaughter dogs and use them for food, but the least they can do is provide for them the minimal conditions that livestock receive in other countries. Dogs in Korea are beaten and tortured. Many times not only are they shoved into these small cages but they are tied to the cage so that they can't lie down. They are put out in the boiling heat without water and left to starve and dehydrate. This kind of treatment leads to disease, and bacterial contamination once they are turned into meat.

     Eating dog is constantly being referred to as a traditional practice. The tradition however dates back to a time of famine when dogs were the only widely available livestock. Since then South Korea has emerged from this famine state but the tradition of eating dog survives. It survives under the guise of being "stamina food" This however is just simple marketing strategy so that those involved in the trade can make a lot of money. Dog meat is actually expensive as meat goes, because of its supposed benefits. When I toured the market one guy came out with his hands on his hips and said to me, "make you strong!! good stamina!!"   I wondered if he believed what he said or if he was just being a good salesman. I think that everyone who has a chance should tour one of these markets and see for themselves what its all about. It certainly has changed my view of the practice. 

Take a look for yourself.

Click Here to See More Photos

Jeremy Joel

Copyright © 2002 Worldbridges    Copyright Policies