"우리 개는 안 물어요" Repeated Dog Bite Incidents, Is There a Solution?

Increasing Dog Bite Incidents Due to Neglect of Pet Safety Measures
Some Advocate Euthanasia for Problem Dogs
Experts Say "Need for Clear Criteria on When to Euthanize"

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] A controversy has arisen after two bulldogs bit a neighboring resident while out for a walk in an apartment complex in Busan. At the time of the incident, neither of the two bulldogs was wearing a muzzle, and one of them was not even on a leash. The injured resident suffered a severe thigh injury and has been receiving treatment for three months.

There have been cases where victims of dog bites have died, yet some dog owners still neglect safety measures by not putting muzzles or leashes on their pets. Experts suggest establishing a system that allows for aggression assessments and euthanasia orders for dogs that have repeatedly caused biting incidents.

According to a report by SBS '8 News' on the 5th, a woman identified as A, who was holding a poodle in her arms in a park inside an apartment complex in Busan, was attacked by two bulldogs.

In the released CCTV footage, Ms. A tried to avoid the approaching dogs while holding her poodle, but the bulldogs chased her and attacked. The dogs barked at the poodle and even jumped off the ground.

Ms. A explained the situation, saying, "(The dogs) jumped up and bit the person. So I ran like crazy," adding, "I was running holding the dog in one hand, but they bit my thigh and wouldn’t let go." The victim is currently receiving hospital treatment for the thigh injury.

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

As the number of pet owners has surpassed one million, incidents of people being bitten or killed by dogs without leashes or muzzles are increasing every year. According to the Korea Consumer Agency, reports of dog bite incidents were 1,019 in 2016, 1,046 in 2017, and 1,962 in 2018.

In response, the government passed an amendment to the Animal Protection Act to strengthen pet dog management obligations. According to the revised Animal Protection Act enacted in March last year, dog owners who cause death by violating pet safety management can face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won, and if causing injury, up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won.

Wearing leashes and muzzles for pet dogs has also been made mandatory. However, muzzle-wearing is only mandatory for breeds such as Dosa dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and their mixes.

However, it appears that strengthened regulations rarely lead to actual punishment. Even if a citizen who feels threatened reports a dog owner for not using a leash to the police, if the owner leaves the scene or refuses inspection, there is no effective way to forcibly impose fines.

Kim, a 26-year-old office worker who has been raising a pet dog for two years, said, "I break out in a cold sweat every time I see dogs walking without leashes," adding, "The dog could get startled and run into the road, or worse, bite someone. If this isn’t neglect, then what is?"

He continued, "Although penalties for dogs without leashes have been strengthened, similar incidents still occur," and added, "As a fellow pet owner, I cannot understand owners who don’t use leashes. I believe it should not end with just a fine."

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Some argue that euthanasia is necessary for dogs that have attacked people multiple times. Regarding an incident last year in an apartment complex in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, where a Fox Terrier bit and dragged a three-year-old girl, animal trainer Kang Hyungwook stated, "The owner should be prohibited from keeping the dog, and the dog should be euthanized."

On his YouTube channel, Kang said, "This dog has a history of biting many children from various people," warning, "If this dog is released, it will likely hunt children."

He emphasized, "The owner should be prohibited from keeping the dog," and added, "Even if someone else raises this dog, there is a high possibility of problems, so euthanasia is the right course."

Experts also suggest establishing a system that allows for aggression assessments and euthanasia orders for dogs that have repeatedly caused biting incidents.

Professor Kim Seongho of the Department of Social Welfare at Korea Bible University said, "Dog bite incidents should not be viewed simply. It is necessary to understand the circumstances under which the incident occurred and then take action," adding, "Taking immediate action against a dog that caused a bite incident is a dangerous logic. Detailed criteria are needed to define under what standards euthanasia should be applied and how to assess the dog’s aggression."

He continued, "Although education for dangerous dogs is mandatory once a year, the enforcement is weak in reality," emphasizing, "A stronger education system is needed."

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