The Dog Meat Trade: Unveiling the Dark Reality

By Ashley Jean June 27, 2023 21 mins read 118 Views

In the United States dogs are cherished family members. You can find gourmet dog food at your local supermarket, as well as puppy spas and aromatherapy sprays to calm anxious puppies. It is shocking to hear that dog meat is consumed in South Korea and other countries like Vietnam and China.

What is the dog meat trade?
Dog Meat Bans
What to Do?

What is the dog meat trade?

Dog meat is the meat of dogs that are bought, sold, and consumed. This is a common practice in some parts of Asia, but not all. The dogs used in this trade are usually captured on the street or raised in farms. They may also be subjected to inhumane treatment and conditions during transport, confinement and slaughter.

Trade is fraught with controversy due to concerns about animal welfare, cultural differences, and ethical issues, as well as the possible risks to public safety. While there have been efforts to combat dog meat and promote animal welfare in some areas, the trade continues to persist.

Recent social media posts and TV broadcasts have caused outrage around the world over the dog meat industry. In particular, the Yulin Dog Meat Eating Festival. Google searches will reveal thousands of images, videos and first-hand reports that expose the cruelty that is taking place. These include dogs being brutally beaten and slaughtered in a gruesome manner, as well as burned, boiled and dismembered.

People perform these horrific acts of violent violence in front of large crowds as a form entertainment. Tens of thousands dogs are eaten and sold as dog meat during this festival. They may be strays or purchased through retailers.

South Korea kills around 2 million dogs for their meat each year. To expose this cruel business, we teamed up with vegan artist Sooyeon Jang as well as the Korean animal rights group CARE to produce an illustrated video called "Draw My Life". This video allows viewers who normally would turn away from graphic material to see the truth. Check it out.

Dog Meat Bans

Many countries have banned the trade and consumption of dog meat. Some countries have passed legislation banning dog meat, including:

Taiwan banned dog and cat meat in 1998. Taiwan was the first Asian country to ban dog and cat meat in 2017.
Thailand: Under Thailand's Animal Cruelty Prevention and Welfare Act, the sale and consumption dog meat is illegal.
South Korea: Although not outright prohibited, South Korea has implemented more stringent regulations and restrictions for the dog meat industry. This has led to a significant drop in consumption.
Hong Kong banned the sale and slaughter of dogs and cats for consumption in 1950.
Philippines: In 1998 the Philippines passed Animal Welfare Act which prohibits the selling and killing of dogs as meat. The industry is still thriving due to the lax enforcement laws.

Although these countries have banned or restricted the trade in dog meat, the laws are not always enforced. There are reports that despite the bans there is still illegal and underground activity related to the trade of dog meat in some regions. The continued existence of the dog meat trade can be attributed to factors such as cultural tradition, lack of enforcement and black markets.

Some people argue that bans might not be enough to eradicate the practice as they require sustained efforts for raising awareness, enforcing the law, and addressing the underlying sociocultural factors. The dog meat trade is a challenge that will never be completely eliminated in countries where the practice has been prohibited.

What to Do?

Animal cruelty has no place in the modern world. Choose veganism to prevent cruelty. You vote for a world that you want every time you pay a dollar at the supermarket or order in a restaurant. You can vote for health, sustainability and compassion at every meal.

The fight against dog meat is not over. It is important that laws are consistently enforced in South Korea to ensure a lasting and wide-spread change. It is important that people continue to speak out against this brutal practice, and actively support the efforts to implement and uphold the new laws.

Please sign this petition to urge South Korea's president Moon to end the barbaric Bok Nal Festival and to continue raising awareness about the brutal dog-meat trade!

The Yulin Dog Meat Festival is a horrific event that must not be ignored. As with all innocent animals who were born to die and be consumed, they require the public's protection and support.

Please consider signing petitions and raising awareness on social media. You can also donate to organizations like Soi Dog or the Duo Duo Project that rescue dogs in Asia. Together we can help put an end the dog meat trade. We must speak for those who cannot. Their only hope is us.

Image by PETA/Manfred Karremann

The post The Dog Meat Trade Unveiling a Dark Reality first appeared on World of Vegan.

By: Julie Massa
Title: The Dog Meat Trade: Unveiling the Dark Reality
Sourced From: www.worldofvegan.com/yulin-dog-meat/
Published Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2023 19:09:00 +0000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat eggs while following a plant-based lifestyle?

A plant-based diet does not allow eggs. This diet eliminates all animal products including eggs, meat, fish, poultry and fish. However, several vegan substitutes for traditionally egg-centric dishes offer similar flavor and texture without relying on animal products. Tofu scrambles or eggs can be made into great breakfast dishes. It can also replace eggs with plant-based protein. For example, chickpea flour or mashed banana can be used for binding in baked goods. Aquafaba (the liquid that comes in chickpea cans) can also substitute for eggs in making meringues. Additionally, egg replacers like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water substituted for one large egg can help keep non-vegan recipes intact without sacrificing taste.

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Are plant-based diets sustainable?

For their environmental and health benefits, plant-based diets have been growing in popularity. Plant-based food is generally more sustainable than food derived from animal resources. This is because it produces less greenhouse gases and causes less pollution. A plant-based diet also takes up fewer resources as plants are typically grown with fewer inputs than animal products. Additionally, animals raised for profit often require large amounts water, land, or fossil fuel resources. Because some environmental impacts of livestock production are linked to global warming, it's possible to reduce your carbon footprint by including more plant-based foods in your weekly rotation.

What are some alternatives to meat protein?

Protein is an essential component to a healthy diet. It's available in animal- or plant-based sources. Plant-based proteins include legumes (nuts and seeds), beans, lentils (wheat gluten), seitan (wheat flour), and hemp seeds. The high amount of antioxidants in many fruits or vegetables can have anti-inflammatory effects. Some dairy alternatives, such as almond and oatmilk, can be fortified with protein, which makes them a great plant-based substitute to cow's. Alternatives like pumpkin seeds and nutritional yeast can lend cheesy flavor to dishes while providing more micronutrients than their animal-based equivalents. You can also add extra nutrition to smoothies or shakes by using vegan protein powders.

Are you able to get enough protein with a plant-based lifestyle?

Yes, you can get enough nutrition from plant-based foods. The amino acids you need to build muscle, stay healthy, and maintain your health can be found in nuts, legumes and seeds as well as grains. Tofu, and other soybean products, contain all 9 essential amino acid that the body cannot make. When combined with legumes or grains, vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are high in protein, they can provide adequate nutrition. Plant-based proteins have lower saturated fat than animal proteins. This is beneficial for maintaining long-term hunger between meals. You can balance out other nutrients by eating omega-3 oils in flaxseeds.

Are there any tips to help you transition to a plant-based diet

Although it may seem daunting to switch to a plant-based diet, it can also be a great lifestyle change if you have the right support and knowledge. These are some tips for transitioning into this type if diet:

Structure meals around whole foods and not processed food to ensure adequate macronutrients, vitamins, or mineral intake.
The goal is to create meals that are delicious and satisfy dietary preferences.
Creating a support system like friends, family members, or certified health professionals.
You can add excitement to your meal by trying new recipes.
Change your lifestyle gradually while still paying attention to your nutritional intake.

People can increase their chances to maintain a healthy lifestyle by gradually changing to a plant-based diet.

Statistics

Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)

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How To

How to navigate social situations while on a plant-based diet?

The transition to a plantbased diet will require you to adapt to social situations. To ensure you can stick to your chosen dietary lifestyle while still having enjoyable meals, take proactive steps before dining out. Verify the restaurant's vegan policies before you go.

If the venue is suitable, start a conversation among friends and relatives about your preferences. This will avoid awkward conversations or misunderstandings about your dietary requirements. Trust your chef when creating vegan dishes. Have a chat with them if needed to better understand your needs.

If you are attending parties or events where vegans may not be well-known, make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks and drinks that aren't made from animal products. It is a great way to show your support! Even the smallest gestures in regards to veganism will be appreciated by your non-vegan friends.

Even though it can seem daunting at first, it's possible to make friends and maintain a vegan lifestyle. It becomes second-nature over time. So start small and have faith!