South Korea bans controversial consumption of dog meat

In a landmark decision, South Korea is to ban the controversial consumption of dog meat.

The parliament in Seoul approved a special law on Tuesday aimed at prohibiting the breeding, slaughter and sale of dogs for human consumption, with violations subject to punishment.

There is a three-year transitional grace period until the new law comes into effect.

Eating dog meat has a long tradition in the Asian country.

In recent years, a growing wave of protests, notably led by animal rights activists, has urged the government to address the issue.