Estimates of the total number of dogs killed in China range from 10 to 20 million dogs per year intended for human consumption. [149] However, such estimates are not official and are derived from extrapolating industry reports on meat tonnage to an estimate of the number of dogs killed. [150] Estimates of the number of animals consumed vary considerably. Humane Society International estimates that 2 million,[205] or perhaps more than 2.5 million dogs, are raised on “dog meat farms” in South Korea (although this number includes puppy mills for the pet industry). [206] [207] According to Korea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA), approximately 780,000 to 1 million dogs are consumed each year in South Korea. [208] However, these figures have been criticized for not being based on actual data and having no scientific basis. [209] The Chow Chow was also known as the “Chinese edible dog” because it was fattened after the collapse of the Han Dynasty and bred with Chinese breeds for meat. Today, Chinese dog farms still breed chow chow to eat, black-skinned chow are prized for their taste when fried, while yolks are usually made into stews. [289] In 2001, the Taiwanese government imposed a ban on the sale of dog meat, both due to pressure from pet protection groups and a desire to improve international visibility, and there have been some protests. [238] In 2007, another law was passed that significantly increased fines for meat sellers. [239] According to The Daily Meal in 2014, dog meat has remained popular in Taiwan despite laws, especially in small towns and villages. [240] Animal rights activists have accused the Taiwanese government of failing to prosecute those who continue to slaughter and serve dog meat in restaurants. In Germany, dog meat has been consumed in every major crisis since at least the time of Frederick the Great and is commonly referred to as the “blockade sheep”.
[10] The Tosa, or Japanese fighting dog, replaces older breeds or sheep in South Korea. The Tosa is generally not a pet and is prohibited in several countries; It is also very lean with a little fat, which makes it perfect for meat production. Currently, only state-approved dog farms in Korea breed tosa for meat. [287] The slaughter, sale, purchase (including import) or consumption of dog meat is prohibited in some countries and legal in others, as shown in the table below and summarized on the map. Daily NK reported that in early 2010, the North Korean government added dog meat to its list of one hundred fixed prices and set a fixed price of 500 won per kilogram. [193] A 2013 survey of VietNamNet with an attendance of more than 3,000 readers showed that the majority of people (80%) were in favor of eating dog meat. Up to 66% of readers said that dog meat is nutritious and has been a traditional food for a very long time. About 13% said eating dog meat is fine, but dog slaughter needs to be tightly controlled to avoid embarrassing images. [254] Gaegogi (개고기) literally means “dog meat” in Korean. The term itself is often confused with the term for Korean soup made from dog meat, which is actually called bosintang (보신탕; 補身湯, body-nourishing soup) (sometimes spelled “bo-shintang”). Prior to the 2014 festival, eight dogs (and their two cages) were sold for 1,150 yuan ($185) and six puppies for 1,200 yuan. [171] Prior to the 2015 festival, a protester bought 100 dogs for 7,000 yuan ($1,100; £710).
[165] The animal rights NGO Best Volunteer Centre noted that the city has more than 100 slaughterhouses where between 30 and 100 dogs are treated daily.