Dog Meat Restaurant Industry Files Suit Seeking Compensation for Losses Amid Ban on Canine Meat Consumption

Owners of dog meat restaurants have filed lawsuits against local governments seeking compensation for damages caused by their businesses ahead of the implementation of a special act banning the consumption of dog meat. According to news from the Daejeon region on the 20th, a minimum of 14 business owners from four districts—Daedeok-gu, Yuseong-gu, Dong-gu, and Jung-gu—filed lawsuits with the Daejeon District Court on the 24th of last month. The suits, filed against the heads of their respective districts, seek the 'cancellation of the disposition rejecting the payment of business loss compensation.' The plaintiffs argue that they are being forced to close businesses they have operated for decades due to the new law, and that the government's closure support funds are insufficient, demanding accurate compensation for their actual losses.

The core of the Special Act on Termination of Dog Meat Consumption is to prohibit raising, breeding, or slaughtering dogs for consumption, as well as distributing or selling dog meat products. Slaughtering dogs for consumption results in up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. Raising, breeding, distributing, or selling for consumption also incurs up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won.

According to the 'Basic Plan for Ending Dog Meat Consumption' established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to support the industry's closure and transition, owners closing their businesses receive up to 4 million won for demolition and restoration costs. Owners changing their menu or the type of meat handled receive up to 2.5 million won for signboard and menu replacements.

An official from a local government in Daejeon stated, "We have provided maximum administrative assistance within the support standards so far," and added, "It is difficult to accept demands outside of regulations that require the input of taxpayers' money in the process of enforcing a law established for public purposes and social consensus." Each autonomous district in Daejeon has appointed attorneys to respond to the lawsuits, and related lawsuits are reportedly underway not only in Daejeon but across the country.