Taiwan Bans Dog Meat

January 2, 2001: Taiwan’s parliament has passed a new piece of legislation that bans its’ citizens from eating dog meat.  More specifically, the meat and fur of pets such as dogs and cats are banned from being used for economic purposes.

Lawmakers note that during hard times, dog meat was a dependable if desperate source of nutrition, but Taiwan has celebrated great economic development in the past years and can now afford to refrain.

I know stories like this make dog lovers squeamish, but I think its important to be aware of different perspectives,new trends, and issues facing dogs around the globe.  The better informed we are, the more we can do about it.  The good news is that all around the world, it seems that dogs are beginning to garner more respect.  As more countries come closer to economic security, more households can afford pets.  More households can appreciate the wonder and devotion of a dog as a friend, rather than a possession or a meal.

With Korea’s latest ban and Dog rights movement, there isn’t a single country in the world who still allows for the legal consumption of dog meat; however, the kill and trade still exists, assisted by corrupt officials and the anonymity the internet offers.