Pet Population Reaches 10 Million... Are You Following Petiquette Properly?

One in Four Households in Korea Own Pets
Pet Etiquette Still Poorly Followed
Experts: "Strengthen Pet Owner Education, Change Negative Perceptions of Pets"

Citizens walking with their pets / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seunggon Han, Intern Reporter Joohee Kang] As the number of people raising companion animals steadily increases, concerns are being raised that compliance with appropriate 'petiquette' is insufficient. Experts emphasize the need for mandatory animal registration, enhanced education for pet owners, and a shift in perception toward companion animals.

According to a survey announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) on the 28th of last month, the number of households raising companion animals nationwide reached 5.91 million last year, an increase of 800,000 households compared to the previous year (5.11 million households). This accounts for 26.4% of all households in South Korea (22.38 million households). It was found that one in four households is raising a companion animal.

However, while the population of companion animals has increased, there are criticisms that 'petiquette' in daily life is not being properly observed. 'Petiquette' is a portmanteau of Pet and Etiquette, referring to the manners that must be observed when accompanying companion animals in public places. This mainly involves carrying items such as leashes, muzzles, and waste bags to prevent causing inconvenience to others.

In a post on an online community, netizen A shared, "I have experienced several times when dogs barked fiercely and chased me," adding, "I really like dogs and do not have a phobia, but when dogs suddenly approach, I am momentarily startled and scared."

He continued, "For people who have trauma related to dogs, the shock would be even greater," and said, "Dog owners should always use leashes, and for not only aggressive breeds but also pets with biting habits, muzzles should be used. Some owners even leave dog waste behind, but I hope basic petiquette is observed."

As the number of households raising dogs increases, dog bite incidents are also occurring frequently. Recently, in an apartment complex in Busan, two bulldogs without leashes attacked a passing resident. The victim reportedly suffered significant injuries, including wounds on the thigh.

According to statistics from the Korea Consumer Agency, reports of dog bite incidents have been increasing, with 1,019 cases in 2016, 1,046 cases in 2017, and 1,962 cases in 2018.

Pet Registration System/Photo by Yonhap News

In addition, criticisms regarding insufficient compliance with petiquette such as cleaning up waste, wearing leashes, and muzzles continue to be raised. According to the MAFRA survey, 62.9% of pet owners comply with requirements such as wearing leashes and identification tags and collecting excrement when going out. Still, 4 out of 10 do not follow these rules.

B, a 28-year-old office worker who revealed that he raises a Boston Terrier, said, "I frown when I see owners who do not even prepare basic dog leashes or waste bags when going out with their pets," adding, "I worry that the perception of companion animals will worsen because of some owners who take petiquette lightly."

He continued, "Not wearing a leash causes inconvenience to others, but there is also the risk that the dog might suddenly run off and get into a traffic accident," adding, "I have also had the experience where my dog almost stepped on another dog's waste. Petiquette must be observed not only for non-pet owners but also for pet owners themselves."

Experts emphasize the need for institutional improvements such as mandatory companion animal registration and enhanced education for pet owners, as well as a change in awareness toward companion animals.

Wonbok Lee, head of the Korea Animal Protection Federation, said, "The number of people raising companion animals is rapidly increasing, but awareness about this remains stagnant," pointing out, "It is true that our society still lacks a culture of protecting animals and respecting them as living beings."

He added, "To improve this awareness, pet owners have the responsibility to prevent incidents such as dog bites, which have recently become a social issue," and urged, "To improve the negative perception of companion animals, pet owners must strictly observe petiquette."

Lee emphasized, "Currently, in foreign countries, strict qualifications are required for owners when adopting companion animals. South Korea also needs legal regulations and institutional improvements such as mandating animal registration and strengthening education for owners."

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