South Korean farmers scuffle with police at protest over dog meat ban
About 200 South Korean farmers who breed and raise dogs for human consumption held a rally near the presidential office in the capital Seoul, demanding the government scrap a plan to ban the controversial centuries-old practice.
The farmers scuffled with police who outnumbered them and set up barricades to stop them from crossing the street to move closer to the presidential office. Three protesters including Ju were detained by police in a chaotic scene, the organisers said.
The ruling party of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has introduced a bill to ban the breeding and sale of dogs for consumption and offer financial compensation for those in the industry forced to shutter their business within a three-year grace period.
While the practice of eating dog meat has declined in popularity, the farmers and restaurant owners who serve the meat have been fighting to keep it legal.
