101 East

Korean Dogs: Friend or Food

The dog meat industry and animal rights activists face off as South Korea considers banning killing dogs for meat.

In South Korea, dog meat has been on the menu for centuries, with about 2 million dogs believed to be eaten every year.

But strict government regulations and a growing animal rights movement are cracking down on the industry.

Today, consumption is declining, especially among younger generations who see dogs as pets, not food.

But dog farmers argue there’s no difference between raising dogs and raising cows, pigs or chickens. And that the ancient cultural practice has health benefits.

101 East travels to South Korea to investigate the fight between those who love dogs, and those who love to eat them.