Killing dogs for meat illegal, rules South Korean court

Caged dogs. South Korea has banned the killing of dogs for meat. AFP PHOTO | MAHMUD TURKIA

A South Korean court has ruled the killing of dogs for meat is illegal, in a landmark decision that animal rights activists said Thursday could pave the way to outlawing eating canines.

The meat has long been a part of South Korean cuisine, with about one million dogs believed to be eaten annually.