Eating Dog Meat in Asian Countries - Term Paper Example

Eating Dog Meat in Asian Countries The consumption of dog meat in a number of countries such as Burkina Faso, China, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam has been the subject of so much debate and controversy that it has already become fitting and proper to discuss the reasons behind why it should be banned. At the same time, it is also important to finally look into the reasons why people keep doing the practice of slaughtering dogs and eating dog meat. Nevertheless, despite the common practice and despite the justifications of those who advocate it, the consumption of dog meat is not the choice. Eating dog meat is a negative practice and should be banned because of several reasons. One of the reasons is simply that a dog is man’s best friend. If man considers a dog his best friend, it therefore means that it is something that he should not kill, by virtue of the meaning of “friend.” Moreover, if one attributes to a “friend” several good qualities like trust, concern, acceptance, sympathy and love, then it really does not follow that this person will destroy the source of these very good values. If he does, then he is also practically teaching his children to do the same thing, which is to destroy his friend someday and to kill whoever shows him good values like acceptance, sympathy and trust. A dog may just be an animal but it does embody very good qualities which sometimes even human beings fall short of. Eating dog meat should be forbidden because dog meat is “notoriously high in fat” and will therefore prove to be unhealthy (Callaghan 58). Moreover, dogs typically lack vaccination and that the possibility of spreading cholera or rabies is actually common among these dogs (Callaghan 58). Although some dogs slaughtered for human consumption are actually checked for quality, many may not pass quality control because the production of dog meat is unregulated by the law. What happens then is that poor quality meat reaches our tables and does not only lack the good taste of meat but also the cleanliness. Humans will then naturally get infected upon consumption of the meat. What is best therefore is to go for meat that is regulated by the government such as pork, fish and beef. In fact, another problem associated with eating dog meat is that it may contain Trichinella larvae, thus causing trichinellosis. Sickness and death may follow upon infection and this is usually acquired from undercooked meat (Khamboonruang 313-314). Another reason for not prohibiting the eating of dog meat is that usually the practice is only superstitious or an answer to a superstition. For example, among the Bwaba people of Boni in Burkina Faso, “if an elderly woman dreams of death in the family, the morning after the dream, the family carries out a ritual, sacrificing a family dog [and killing it] at the village altar [and eaten by the family]” (Callaghan 58). In the Philippines, it is also the same thing because once the family has witnessed some bad luck, they have to slaughter a dog in order for the bad luck to transfer to (“Philippines Dogs”). Nevertheless, these practices are highly superstitious in nature and may not actually happen. A poor animal cannot just die or be sacrificed in the name of an illogical cause. Moreover, if the same thing is done to other animals, it would also be just as inhuman. A third reason for banning the consumption of dog meat is that “dogs are not usually grown specifically for slaughter” (Gregory 165). Generally, in this world, dogs are grown as pets and companions in the home or when hunting. Although there are breeding farms for dogs, the main purpose of a dog in the world is not as food or snack. Thus, the voice of the majority somehow tells us that it is really basically not a primary choice to use dogs as food. Eating dog meat should also be banned because of the inhuman way of killing them. In the Philippines, it is customary to beat the animal before it dies. The reason for this is to observe the cultural tradition of eating dog meat and to make the meat more tender (Gregory 165). The cruelty afforded to these animals is all the same if they were humans. The idea of making the meat tender that is why it is hit several times is actually horrible. Animals have as much right not to be hurt as humans do. Moreover, another reason why animals especially dogs do not deserve cruelty is that the cruel acts and the cruel intentions will be copied by our children. Certainly, this is not the best way to show them how animals should be treated. There are also purely theoretical reasons for banning the consumption of dog meat. The dog was the first domesticated species, and although dogs were domesticated for their meat in other various countries in the past, there is certainly a “lack of convincing evidence” for this (Podberscek 616). This means that stories of people eating dog meat in history may actually only be mere stories. Moreover, the first human beings would not have domesticated dogs and turned them into companions had he thought of just simply butchering him afterwards. Ancient man was wise and perhaps saw the importance of the dog not as food but as a friend. Another reason for the imperative banning of eating dog meat is somehow related to the idea that a dog is man’s best friend, and that it is viewed as “abhorrent and morally corrupt” (Podberscek 617). Thus, there is moral value in preserving dogs and not killing them. The justification for this is that it is not a popular choice. Moreover, dog meat is also not a major component of the daily diet of Koreans (623). This means that Koreans and other people can live without dog meat, and thus it is not necessary to butcher dogs because it is not staple food and there is a moral responsibility involved the practice. Dogs are also slaughtered for the mere purpose of marketing their meat, whether or not it is sold expensively or cheaply ((Podberscek 625). Thus, sometimes it is not even profitable to market dog meat because it is not economically efficient compared to other types of meat perhaps. Thus, if someone decides to sell meat, he should not opt for dog meat, because in the world of business, uniqueness does not pay off in the end. Besides, one should buy whatever the customers want to buy, not what the seller wants to sell. Still, one more reason why dog meat should be banned is that it is not the opinion of the majority, even in Korea, where dog meat is freely sold and eaten. The majority of those who believe that dog meat should not be eaten also have the deep-seated belief that “it is intrinsically wrong to eat these animals” (Podberscek 627). This means that regardless of the practice of eating dog meat, the popular opinion does not favor it. There are therefore not many sentiments crushed nor are there many people affected if the dog meat industry stopped. Another reason for the prohibition of eating dog meat is that there are no clear laws that govern the trade of dog meat. This means that dog meat is not recognized as legitimate food nor is it considered something that should be banned from being sold. This therefore reflects the lowest priority of the government on animal issues (Kim 203). If there is no clear law that protects the practice, it is then considered illegal by the law. Therefore, until it is legalized, there is no way one can eat dog meat or slaughter dogs without calling oneself an essential aspect of such illegal act. Another reason why dog meat should not be eaten is that it is based on a culture that does not logically relate temperature with the necessity of eating dog meat. In Korea, for example, dog meat is consumed on the three hottest days of the lunar calendar or the bok days. The reason, however, is extremely superstitious. According to legends and the Chinese metaphysical theory, dog meat serves as “fire” among the five elements and it therefore overcomes heat that depletes sexual energy. Dog meat therefore restores and increases sexual energy among those who consume it. Moreover, there is an elaborately complicated explanation for the Yin and Yang principles behind dog meat consumption (Kim 206). The idea of Korean tradition to just simply and freely ascribe their metaphysics to otherwise poor animals is actually why it is so unreasonable for temperature and eating dog meat to be linked. Dog meat is also neither legal nor illegal in Korea and in other countries where there are no explicit laws allowing or banning its sale. However, due to this rather neutral stance of the law regarding the slaughtering of dogs and the consumption of dog meat, the general anti-cruelty provisions of the country as provided in the Animal Welfare Act of 1991 as well as the country’s stake on animal rights are rather sacrificed (Kim 208-209). The killing of dogs and the eating of dog meat therefore undermines the animal rights acts that have once been formulated by the government in order to protect the welfare of animals. If this is therefore something that we should teach our children someday, then it is best to honor all the laws completely. The Animal Welfare Act of 1991 must either be abolished first or nullified before one decides to keep eating dog meat. One more reason for not eating dog meat and not slaughtering dogs for such a purpose is that it is outright cruel for anyone to treat dogs even before killing them (“Ending the Dog Meat Trade”). This is something that one wants to show the future generations and so this should not be his choice to make. Still one more reason for banning dog meat is that the dog is rather more important than just being food. Dogs are actually better in that they alert their masters in times of danger. Dogs are also used for hunting because of their sensitive sense of smell and sharp sense of hearing. Moreover, dogs act as guards, walking companions, and playmates, and can be in this state for a long time, thus giving their master quality time (GNA). This means that in terms of utility, a wise human being should choose the emotional aspect before the physical aspect. A dog is a better friend for it serves someone for many years, and it is not that good as food for it does serve only for a short time. Another reason for the choice of not killing dogs for food is that it is actually a more intelligent choice and speaks of how much man values something which he holds dear (Rosenman). This therefore has implications in his emotions and character as a human being. Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of peace who initiated moves in order to free India from British rule, once said: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated" (“Debate: Dog Meat”). This means that what everyone has to show the future generations is that dogs have been spared as companions because it is through that that they can serve humans best. If this is what we want to show our children, then we must adhere to this choice. The consumption of dog meat also defies logic. First, there are many more animals from which protein can be obtained. Second, if killing dogs is allowed, then raping animals is also definitely fine (Saletan). About the dog being a good source of protein, one should know and realize that it is not only dog meat that is a good source of protein. There are definitely other rich sources. In the same way, the murder of animals like dogs may be considered as crime since it is still illegal, and so from this premise, one can conclude that legality may actually be compromised when it comes to animals. If the killing of dogs is allowed for the purpose of food consumption, then definitely raping of dogs must also be allowed, by virtue of logic, for the purpose of pleasure. The changing sensibilities of the Chinese people, who were famous for eating dog meat, as well as the ever growing number of people who are also appealing to spare the dogs are to be considered (“Debate: Dog Meat”). This means that because of the growing sentiments of people towards saving dogs and not killing them for food, then it should be acknowledged by people and even the media that eating dog meat is slowly becoming passé. Eating dog meat is based on a fallacy. According to many groups who advocate the consumption of dog meat, since many states in the United States allow it, say 44 states, then people think it is naturally right to eat dogs (“Dog Meat Protest”). Moreover, this is not the opinion of the majority of people in the world (“Dog Meat Protest”). Just because many states allow it does not mean they are condoning the act. It just simply means that no laws have been made concerning such acts. If only these states and local governments focused on animal rights, it would definitely ban such cruel acts on dogs. The health benefits from eating dog meat may actually be over 400 years old but may therefore be obsolete or it has already better alternatives to dog meat. In fact, according to the 1578 Chinese medical encyclopedia, dog meat is a good way to “[comfort] the digestive systems, strengthen our stomach, provides our knees and waists with bone marrow, make men virile, circulate the blood smoothly” (Herrington). Nevertheless, there are already other natural and even better alternatives to these symptoms from other sources other than dog meat. Besides, the information from 1578 may already be obsolete. Besides, current medical research may consider so many other options for food, vitamins and even male sexual energy pills, and not necessarily dog meat. The problem with Korean culture is that it always obeys the provisions of ancestral documents regardless of the verity of these claims. Another reason why dog meat should not be consumed and dogs should not be slaughtered is that it is a part of an illegal industry that generates $3.8 million US dollars annually (“Philippines Dogs”). The illegality of the practice and the huge financial return somehow perpetuate the illegal activity of butchering dogs. Thus, this has become something akin to a large syndicate that does not pay taxes to the government and should therefore be stopped by virtue of this legal reason. Dog meat is considered as a protein-rich food but this is not a strong case for eating dog meat. Jonathan Safran Foer, in his book Eating Animals, mentioned that dogs are a “protein-rich food source,” and begged people to “get over [their] sentimentality” and just start eating dogs (Hodal). Protein is not the only consideration for eating meat; otherwise, one would eat a fellow human being for the best and maximum protein consumption since human beings are rumored to have the best type of meat when it comes to protein content. There are some arguments, however, that somehow make some sense but blatantly oppose the idea that eating dog meat should be banned one counterargument is presented by a Korean man. According to Ann Yong-Geun, eating dog meat is OK because “it is a part of Korea’s culture.” Western countries do not allow this thus, “Korean’s eating of dog has become an object of criticism and debate” (Ann). Moreover, Ann says, “But if a dog attacks a man, it can be shot to death without a court ruling because a dog is a kind of beast.” The problem with this argument is that it does not consider dogs as special at all, and it is totally a stance for moral relativism. Nevertheless, what Ann fails to take into consideration is that dogs are basically good animals that should not be slaughtered or eaten regardless of culture. This is what the whole debate is about and not about the relativity of the situation. Another counterargument against the idea of eating dog meat is that one does not consider dogs as animals which are intrinsically good. Some people ask “What’s wrong with eating dogs?” (Wei). This sarcastic question is rather selfish and does not address the rather intrinsic way of looking at things morally. Rather, it somehow equates the goodness of an act based only on its own practical value. Moreover, Wei adds that “food dogs are not pets not are they close friends to humans.” This is a totally utilitarian stance where people measure the goodness of an act merely on what practical value it affords the people involved. The point is that dogs are intrinsically good animals and so killing them for food is intrinsically bad regardless of the situation and regardless of the benefits that can be obtained from it, and most of all, regardless of the fact that it just seems fine. Eating dog meat is a disgusting act that is worthy of all condemnation. Dogs are man’s best friend and so they are good by themselves and should not be butchered and consumed as food regardless of the numerous benefits that can be obtained from their meat. Moreover, the idea of eating dog meat has political, social and psychological sides to the issue that all point out one thing: it is bad. Whatever happens, the most important thing that one should take into consideration is that this society should stop doing whatever it does not want its children to follow someday. Top of Form Bottom of Form Works Cited Ann, Yong-Geun. “No. It is a part of Korea’s culture." Korea Herald, 8 Aug. 2011. Web. 5 May 2014. Callaghan, Emily. “Dog Meat.” They Eat That?: A Cultural Encyclopedia of Weird and Exotic Food from Around the World. Sta. Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO LLC, 2012. Print. “Debate: Dog meat." China Daily, 2011. Web. 5 May 2014. “Dog Meat Protest: Local Group Demonstrates Against South Korea’s Consumption of Dogs and Cats." Huffington Post, 15 Oct. 2011. Web. 5 May 2014. “Ending the dog meat trade."  WSPA International, 2014. Web. 5 May 2014. GNA. “Reason why dog meat should not be eaten." Modern Ghana, 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 6 May 2014. Gregory, Neville G. & Temple Grandin. Animal Welfare and Meat Production. Oxfordshire, UK: CABI, 2007. Print. Herrington, Frankie. “Feature: The Fight Against the Dog Meat Industry." HAPS, 3 Feb. 2012. Web. 5 May 2014. Hodal, Kate. “How eating dog became big business in Vietnam." The Guardian, 27 Sept. 2013. Web. 5 May 2014. Khamboonruang, Chirasak. “The Present Status of Trichinellosis in Thailand." Mahidol University, 1992. Web. 5 May 2014. Kim, Rakhyun E. "Dog Meat in Korea: A Socio-Legal Challenge." Animal Law 14 (2008): 202-236. Print. “Philippines Dogs." Global Action Network, 2014. Web. 5 May 2014. Podberscek, Anthony LHemeHemPodberscek, . "Good to Pet and Eat: The Keeping and Consuming of Dogs and Cats in South Korea." Journal of Social Issues 65.3 (2009): 615-632. Print. Rosenman, Olivia. “Campaign against eating dog and cat meat rolls out in Guangzhou metro." News. South China Morning Post, 8 Nov. 2013. Web. 5 May 2014. Saletan, William. “Work the Dog: What’s wrong with eating man’s best friend?" Frame Game. Slate, 16 Jan. 2002. Web. 5 May 2014. Wei, Clarissa. “Eating dog meat: wrong or not?" Examiner, 18 Aug. 2009. Web. 5 May 2014. Read More