South Korean President Moon Jae-in raises ban on eating dog meat

Sept. 27 (UPI) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday raised the possibility of a national ban on eating dog meat -- a traditional practice that's declined in recent years, but remains legal.

Moon made the remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, during which the two discussed plans for improving care for abandoned pets.

"Hasn't the time come to prudently consider prohibiting dog meat consumption?" Moon asked during the meeting, according to Yonhap.

South Korea has laws against animal and pet cruelty, but there is no statute that bars the consumption of dog meat.

Seoul could announce a measure banning consumption of dog meat as soon as this week.

A number of dog farms have closed in recent years as eating dog meat in South Korea has declined in popularity.

Moon is a noted dog lover and has several living with him as pets at the presidential Blue House.