"South Korean Dog Meat Farmers Defend Tradition Amid Backlash"

South Korean dog meat farmers are pushing back against growing efforts to outlaw the industry, which has faced increasing backlash due to concerns about animal rights and South Korea's international image. While dog meat consumption is not explicitly banned or legalized in the country, there is a rising movement to prohibit it. The anti-dog meat campaign gained momentum when the first lady expressed support for a ban and lawmakers submitted bills to eliminate the trade. However, the prospects for passing an anti-dog meat law remain uncertain due to protests from farmers and restaurant owners. The dog meat industry in South Korea has received more international attention due to its reputation as a wealthy, modern democracy, and it is the only nation with industrial-scale farms. Despite declining demand and falling prices, farmers are resisting the calls to shut down their businesses, while activists argue for the immediate end of dog meat consumption.