North Koreans Ordered To Hand Over Pet Dogs To Be Used For Meat

The international community was stunned upon discovering North Korea's approach to addressing its food scarcity by utilizing pets. In July, Kim Jong-un announced that pet ownership is now illegal, labeling it as a "tainted trend of bourgeois ideology."

"Households with pet dogs have been identified by the authorities, who are then compelling owners to surrender their pets or are forcibly seizing and euthanizing them," reported a source to South Korea's Chosun Ilbo. "Some dogs are being sent to state-run zoos or sold to dog meat restaurants."

North Korea is grappling with significant food shortages, as indicated by a UN report, affecting millions. Dog meat is a sought-after food in the nation, leading many to believe that Kim Jong-un's directive is a response to this crisis.

"Whereas the general populace tends to raise pigs and livestock on their porches, it's the high-ranking officials and the affluent who have pet dogs, which has caused some discontent," a source disclosed.

In Pyongyang, there are several eateries that specialize in dog meat. Pet owners are resisting the mandate, but to no avail. Defying this new decree is seen as a direct challenge to the supreme leader's authority.

North Korea has sealed its border with China in response to the coronavirus pandemic, exacerbating already severe food shortages.

As Beijing is Pyongyang's primary food provider, Kim Jong-un's decision to halt supplies from China has had significant repercussions. Compounded by natural disasters that have impacted harvests, North Koreans are facing a shortfall in their typical crop yields.

In North Korea, where pork and beef are seen as luxuries, there is a prevailing belief among the populace that Kim Jong-un may resort to using their pets as a means to stave off hunger in the coming months.

Source:
thebeet.com