Seongdong-gu Establishes Dedicated Team for Animal Policy Affairs

Correction Training for Problem Behaviors in Companion Dogs 'Companion Dog Culture Class' and 'Companion Animal Festival' Events Held

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Won-oh) recently announced that, in response to the increase in pet-owning households and the expansion of animal welfare projects, it will establish a dedicated animal policy team through an organizational restructuring in January 2020.

The newly established dedicated animal policy team will carry out various animal welfare-related policies and projects, including operating companion dog culture classes and pet festivals, in addition to the existing animal protection, stray animal management, and animal registration system.

In 2019, the district invited animal behavior expert veterinarian Seol Chaehyun and conducted “Pet Owner Education for Companion Dog Socialization” in the first and second halves of the year, receiving great responses. Under the theme “Why Does My Dog Do That? - Basic Understanding and Communication with Dogs, Petiquette,” about 150 residents participated in a two-hour lecture based on real cases.

Participants expressed opinions such as “I learned a lot of new information beyond what I already knew” and “It was an informative lecture covering necessary topics overall,” and voiced hopes that such opportunities would continue to expand.

Encouraged by this response, the district will form a dedicated team in 2020 and put more effort into strengthening pet policies.

In addition to promoting various animal welfare-related policies, the district plans to hold a customized education program “Companion Dog Culture Class” by animal behavior experts and a “Pet Festival” where pets and residents can enjoy and interact together.

The “Companion Dog Culture Class,” to be held in April during the first half of this year, will provide customized education tailored to the characteristics of companion dogs that require behavioral correction, conducted by animal behavior experts.

Additionally, honorary animal protection monitors will be appointed within the district to promote compliance with the Animal Protection Act and guide enforcement in main dog walking areas. Through this, the district aims to foster a mature pet culture and resolve conflicts between pet owners and non-pet owners.

In October of the second half of this year, the district will host the “2020 Pet Festival,” an event where companion dogs, their owners, and all residents can interact and enjoy together. The event will feature trained dog demonstrations, pet health consultations, and experience booths, providing opportunities to create and share happy memories with pets.

Mayor Jeong Won-oh stated, “We established the dedicated team to promptly respond to the administrative needs of residents who own pets and to promote animal welfare policies more efficiently,” adding, “We will strive harder to make Seongdong a place where people and animals can be happy together.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.