2024-07-15 13:13:10
Animal protection groups have launched a campaign to reduce meat consumption and encourage vegetarianism in celebration of Chobok.
According to animal rights groups Kara, Animal Freedom Union, and Humane Society International Korea (HSI), the demand for meat such as chicken increases every year in July and August when Boknal falls. The number of chickens slaughtered in July this year alone is estimated to be around 70 million.
To produce more meat, the number of animals suffering in factory farming also increases. Tens of millions of farm animals are bred in crowded conditions, exposed to extreme heat, and forced to grow faster.
Chickens that have grown to be large due to breed improvement have a high mortality rate if raised for more than 30 days, so they are slaughtered before that. The natural lifespan of chickens is 20 years on average.
Kara said on Instagram, “The chickens that are called chicken and samgyetang are actually 30-day-old chicks,” and asked, “Please join us in working to minimize animal sacrifice on Boknal.”
He continued, “You can protect yourself with summer delicacies such as mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, kongguksu (noodles with black beans), and hwachae (vegetable salad).” He emphasized, “While a single perfect vegan is meaningful, the movement of many citizens to reduce animal consumption is also important.”
The Animal Freedom Union suggested ‘Kongguksu, Red Bean Porridge, and Perilla Leaf Kalguksu’ as a vegetarian meal for Boknal, saying, “Reducing meat consumption is the easiest way to reduce animal suffering.”
An official from the Animal Freedom Union said, “Food and nutrition experts also advise that modern people who are normally nutritious through high-protein, high-calorie meals should reconstruct their diet to suit the purpose of a ‘healthy summer’,” adding, “With one harmless vegetarian meal, I can fill my body with the healthy nutrients it needs and reduce the number of suffering animals.”
HSI is carrying out a campaign to help dog farm owners change their business. Since 2015, a total of 18 dog farms have been supported by HSI Korea to change their business to humane and sustainable ways, such as crop cultivation and watering operation.
Lee Sang-kyung, team leader of the Korea HSI, said, “The number of consumers pursuing a healthy plant-based diet is increasing in Korea,” and “Rather than farms for meat, businesses related to agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits will be a better way to guarantee the right to survive claimed by dog farm owners.”
Meanwhile, the Korean vegetarian market is growing remarkably. The Rural Development Administration predicts that the domestic plant-based alternative food market will grow to 280 billion won by 2026. The Korea Tourism Organization also launched the first vegan customized fam tour in Korea using vegetarian cuisine starting in 2022.
Photo by Kim Jeong-hyeon, provided by Animal Freedom Union
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2024-07-15 13:13:10