Mick Hartley

From the Daily NK:

As the first day of the hottest period of summer (July 20) approaches, demand for dog meat is surging in North Korea. With fewer rural households raising dogs, supply has tightened, prompting traders to scramble to secure stock.

A source in South Hamgyong province told Daily NK recently that “the price of dogs and dog meat in Hamhung has been steadily climbing since the start of the month,” adding that this is “due to rising demand as the hottest days approach.”

Unlike South Korea, where cultural shifts and a new law banning the breeding, slaughter, and distribution of dogs for consumption are phasing out the practice, dog meat remains a staple health food in North Korea during the summer.

Many North Koreans believe that eating dog meat on the three hottest days of summer drives away heat and boosts stamina. The belief is so widespread that even financially struggling households try to eat dog meat at least once during the season.

Is this why we talk about the dog days of summer? [No.  "The phrase “Dog Days” was coined thousands of years ago to describe uncomfortably hot weather and it centers around the rising of the Sirius sun or “the Dog Star.”  The “Dog Star” is only visible for 40 days each year. This is usually the hottest stretch of summer."]

Dog meat restaurants are placing early bulk orders ahead of the summer peak in anticipation of a sales surge.

Households commonly buy and cook dog meat in kilogram units, and as the hottest period approaches, prices surge and supply tightens. As a result, restaurants are reportedly rushing to secure stock from traders.

According to the source, dog meat traders in Hamhung are now traveling directly to rural villages to secure dogs, as few urban residents raise them. Rural households, however, still tend to keep dogs.

In Hyesan, Ryanggang province, dog traders are also actively moving through rural areas, reportedly offering above-market prices to secure supply.

Best keep Fido indoors for the next few weeks.