President of South Korea Moon Jae-in has raised intentions to ban the consumption of dog meat within his nation

The President of South Korea has raised banning the eating of dogs in the country as the traditional practice becomes an “international embarrassment.”

The dog meat industry, which has long been heavily criticised by western nations, slaughters one million dogs a year in South Korea.

Though most Koreans have never eaten the type of meat, pressure is mounting on the country’s government to impose bans.

Demand for dog meat in Korea has dwindled in recent years

Speaking during a meeting with the prime minister of South Korea, Mr Moon questioned whether it was time to “prudently consider” a ban.

It is the first time that the president, a known dog lover, has raised the prospect of a total ban.

Moon made the comments as he was briefed on new measures to protect abandoned animals in the country.

There is already a law in place banning the cruel slaughter of dogs and cats, but consumption itself is not banned.

However, in recent years, people have turned away from eating dog meat, particularly amid a growing trend to keep the animals as pets.

As a result, three of the country’s largest dog meat markets have closed down.

A poll conducted in 2020 by Nielsen for Humane Society International discovered that 84% of people in South Korea have never eaten dog meat or say they do not want to consume it in the future.

That survey also found that 59% of South Koreans support banning dog meat.

Animal rights groups have welcomed the news having long-called for a ban.