Mock funeral for dog held in South Korea on 'dog meat day'

Activists wore dog masks and held a mock canine funeral during ir protests against dog meat consumption in South Korea on Thursday, first of three “dog meat days” in country.

Under a tritional calendar, Thursday is thought to be first of three hottest days in South Korea. Many South Koreans believe that eating dog meat or chicken soup on those days gives m strength to beat heat.

At one protest in central Seoul, about 10 activists held banners that re “re are edible dogs in world." banners h ims of fresh fruit that activists said South Koreans should eat on three days inste of dog meat.

Earlier Thursday, about 20 or activists held a similar anti-dog meat rally nearby. y bowed and laid white flowers before a framed photo of a dog in a mock funeral for animal. activists raised placards with im of small dogs confined in a c and words “STOP DOG MEAT.”

Dog meat is neir legal r explicitly banned in South Korea. Dog meat restaurants are a dwindling business as younger people find dog meat a less attractive dining option. Pets are growing in popularity, and a survey in 2018 indicated that about 80% of South Koreans h t eaten dog meat in previous year.

Many people still oppose outlawing consumption of dog meat because y view it as surrendering to Western pressure.

Some older people believe that dog meat enhances sexual stamina.

(Im credit: AP)