Why Don't We Eat Dogs?
Credit to HKFP
Humans’ relationships with animals have varied throughout history. Animals have been used for work, entertainment, companionship, but most importantly, food. When we think of meat, the first things that come to mind are pork, beef, and chicken, but an animal like a dog is never on the menu. Why is that? Aren’t all animals the same? Meat is meat, right?
To most Westerners and in many places of the world, eating a dog would be out of the question. To many, it is simply a moral instinct to find the idea of consuming dogs completely and utterly repulsive. Why? The answer lies within their respective cultures. In many places in the world as well as in history, dogs have grown to be man’s closest companion—and for good reason. Dogs have a particularly congenial skillset, compatible with us humans. Dr. Thalia Gjersoe, a lecturer in Developmental Psychology at the Open University, says that dogs are psychologically advanced compared to other animals, meaning they are able to read and react to human body language. Such traits have allowed them to form close bonds with humans over time and become integrated into many widespread cultures.
Dr. Kathleen Taylor, science author and research scientist at the University of Oxford, says, "Disgust is contagious. We catch it easily from others, and it tells us what's acceptable and what isn't.” Indeed, disgust is a powerful thing. It unknowingly persuades us to favor one thing and look down upon another. And if an individual from the group fails to follow along with the application of moral principles to their outlook on things, they may be labeled as ‘disgusting’. This arouses fear and the feeling of alienation, as well as a natural affiliation towards one’s culture.
Yet, countries such as China, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and many other Asian countries openly sell and consume dog meat. China holds a Dog Meat Festival every year, the most recent one being on June 21, 2022. To them, dog meat is a delicacy enjoyed by many people.
However, countries such as South Korea have been experiencing Westernization in the past century, and it is very visually evident that Western culture and beliefs have seeped their way into and have greatly influenced South Korea’s own culture. As more citizens raise concerns about dog consumption and abuse, more laws in support of the abolition of such practices are being made, and consumption has shown a decline in response to changing viewpoints.
With that said, it is important to be respectful of the traditions and ways of lives of varying cultures. Sure, to many, the tradition of dog-eating is revolting. But to many, dogs are simply a part of their cuisine, just as pigs and cows are part of ours.