The Lens: Dog meat taken off the menu as South Korea bans selling and consuming canines

Ivan Ho Sing-yan, 16, Hong Kong Tang King Po College

I support South Korea’s ban on dog meat consumption because it is not sustainable or environmentally friendly and it shows respect for a longtime human companion.

To begin, meat production requires a lot of resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to put more focus on sustainable protein sources.

The younger generation in South Korea is not interested in consuming dog meat, showing a growing awareness of ethical concerns and a preference for sustainable and humane alternatives. The ban reflects a progressive move towards prioritising animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Unlike other animals we eat, dogs are regarded as human companions, which creates strong ethical concerns surrounding the consumption of dog meat. The need to ban dog meat becomes evident when we compare dogs to other animals that have served humans in various roles but were not traditionally regarded as food sources. This ban is necessary to uphold the principles of compassion and respect for these loyal animals.

Promoting plant-based meat alternatives could be a viable solution. They provide a sustainable and ethical source of protein that requires fewer resources and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional meat production.

Financial incentives can be provided to facilitate the growth of the plant-based meat industry, offering new opportunities for those affected by the dog meat ban. This approach not only mitigates the economic impact but also contributes to an environmentally friendly and compassionate food system.

Read up on the issue in last week’s The Lens

There’s no denying that vape mania has gripped Southeast Asia, especially Gen Z, who are increasingly swapping out traditional tobacco cigarettes for high-nicotine vape pens.

Health experts warn that it is exposing young people – some still in school – to nicotine and other harmful substances. Others have criticised governments for being undecisive over laws and the tax potential of the product.

In Singapore and Thailand, it is illegal to import, sell and use vapes. Yet black markets selling the disposable pens are very profitable.

Conversely, in Indonesia, vapes are openly sold and advertised by celebrities. E-cigarettes are taxed, and the industry employs over 200,000 people.

In Vietnam, lawmakers have called on the government to ban all e-cigarette products. Local law prohibits the sale of cigarettes to those under 18. But for young people seeking a puff of a vape, the black market readily provides.

“I enjoy vaping, and many friends asked me to help them buy vapes. I thought it was a good idea to start a business, so I began selling them,” said Tung Tran, 23, a student in Vietnam who has been selling vapes and vape products for a year, mainly through Facebook.

Though the health impacts of vaping are still being disputed, experts generally agree that the habit has consequences.

“Vape and all its derivatives still contain nicotine and tar, not to mention other chemicals used in its production,” said Yayi Suryo Prabandari, a researcher of nicotine addiction.

Though e-cigarettes are labelled the “healthier option”, Yayi stressed that research on the long-term health effects of vaping remains inconclusive.

Staff writers

• Should there be restrictions on e-cigarette distribution and use in Southeast Asia? Would age factor into potential restrictions?

• What benefits would come from restrictions on e-cigarettes? What would the negative impacts be?