in recent years, some south koreans have changed their attitudes towards eating dog meat as a matter of "personal choice" to considering it an "unnecessary cruelty." animal rights activists in south korea protest against the custom of eating dog meat. since 1988, international animal welfare activists – most notably, french actress brigitte bardot – have campaigned against dog meat consumption in south korea. however, korean nationalists on the internet have argued that a double standard exists, accusing non-korean animal welfare activists of forcing "westernization" on south korea. a 2007 survey by the south korean agriculture ministry showed that 59% of south koreans aged under 30 would not eat dog. some 62% of the same age group said they regard dogs as pets, not food. many young koreans think those who eat dog are anachronists.