The Dog Meat Debate

WASHINGTON, DC -- I have a common sense solution to resolve, once and for all, most of the controversy surrounding Korea’s dog meat consumption. It goes like this:

BUSAN, South Korea -- Controversy over the consumption of dog meat continues in South Korea, with both sides passionate in their beliefs. Increasingly, more and more Koreans are lining up to fight an industry that they feel is cruel and inhumane.

BUSAN, South Korea -- Last year over dinner, my Kiwi friend and I happened across the topic of eating dog meat – he had eaten it before and said that he enjoyed it. As most westerners tend to shy away from such fare, it took me by surprise. After all, he didn’t look like someone who would eat dog meat. I mean, he didn’t have long arms with knuckles dragging the floor or over-sized fangs protruding from his mouth  – he looked like a “normal” person.

So went my stereotype.

My friend then added: “It tastes like beef or mutton depending on how it’s cooked.”

It gave me pause. How could he suggest that what most people in the world consider to be man’s best friend, tastes like a grocery store-shelf-farm-animal? He then asked if I would like to try some. I laughed. I like to try new things. Heck, I'm in Korea. Why not?, I thought.