"People Are the Worst" Good Shelter Rumored, Stray Dogs Flock... 'Euthanasia' Concerns

Rumors of Good Management Lead to Increase in Animal Abandonment
Up to 3 Million Won Fine for Animal Abandonment... Difficult to Enforce
Germany Implements Regulations and Taxation on Pet Ownership
Experts Say "Laws Must Be Strengthened Alongside Social Awareness"

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As news spread that an animal shelter was managing abandoned dogs well, some people have been sending abandoned dogs to this facility, sparking criticism. Due to the sudden increase in abandoned dogs, the shelter is reportedly considering euthanasia.

Experts pointed out that unless fundamental measures such as strengthening the Animal Protection Act and raising awareness are implemented, this issue will recur at any time.

On the 5th, veterinarian Seol Chaehyun posted on her Instagram requesting help regarding this facility. Dr. Seol stated, "When discussing the filming of the Gunsan abandoned dog shelter for EBS's 'There Are No Bad Dogs in the World' (Sena-gae) with the PD, our biggest concern was 'Will people abandon dogs more after seeing this place?'"

She continued, "Although it was not shown on the broadcast, when I went to Gunsan and rode in a car alone with the director, we shared the same concern. But with CCTV at the door and thinking 'people can't be that bad,' we laughed and said there would be more good things. However, some people were worse than I imagined."

She added, "All animals fight when resources become scarce. Currently, there should be about 300 dogs for a relatively peaceful space, but there are now 850 dogs, so fights naturally occur, and the animals are getting injured and dying. We are also considering euthanasia," she lamented.

She further said, "I try to help even a little by doing 'Monthly Adoption' on YouTube, but it doesn't seem to be of much help. I am very sorry. We need a lot of attention and support," she appealed.

Photo by Seol Chaehyun, Veterinarian, Instagram Capture

This place was introduced in the EBS Sena-gae episode "Save the Abandoned Dogs" aired last January.

According to the broadcast, the shelter located in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, is different from typical shelters as it is park-style where dogs can run freely, and the director and his wife lovingly care for the abandoned dogs, earning praise. It is especially known as an animal paradise because it does not perform euthanasia.

However, after the broadcast, the number of people rushing to abandon their pets at this shelter increased, leading to a flood of abandoned animals.

Under current law, abandoning an animal can result in a fine of up to 3 million KRW. However, it is difficult to catch offenders, and even when caught, punishment rarely follows.

The problem is that while the number of pet owners increases every year, the number of abandoned animals is also rising.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' "2019 National Awareness Survey on Animal Protection" released last month, there are 5.91 million households nationwide raising pets. This is an increase of 800,000 households compared to 5.11 million last year.

Meanwhile, according to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency's survey last year, 121,077 abandoned animals were recorded in 2018, the highest number ever. Of these, 20% were euthanized in shelters.

Also, the proportion of abandoned and lost animals under protection at centers increased more than twofold from 4.7% in 2017 to 11.7% in 2018.

Criticism is growing stronger against those who abandon pets without a sense of responsibility or duty for life. Photo by Asia Economy DB

As a result, criticism is growing against those who abandon pets without responsibility or obligation for life.

A 29-year-old office worker A, who has been raising a dog for two years, said, "I am speechless that people abandon their pets at the shelter that is said to be the best among struggling abandoned animal shelters. Do they feel less guilty if they abandon them in a better environment? (Regarding these people) punishment is important, but education before raising pets is desperately needed," she raised her voice.

Germany, known as an advanced country in animal welfare, enforces regulations and taxation on pet ownership. In particular, the law specifies detailed standards for breeding methods from the perspective of animal protection.

Abandoned animals are cared for in private animal protection facilities called 'Tierheim,' and euthanasia of abandoned animals is generally prohibited. The adoption rate is also known to exceed 90%. By introducing an adoption system instead of sales and implementing strict animal welfare policies, the number of abandoned animals has been reduced.

Experts suggested that social awareness and legal reinforcement are necessary to fundamentally solve the problem. Lee Wonbok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Association, said, "Ultimately, we have to look at supply and demand. Pets are still being sold in pet shops. Although the system changed from a reporting system to a licensing system when it became a big issue, the structural problem has not changed."

He added, "This problem arises due to a lack of social awareness and oversupply caused by demand. Unless improper sales and purchases are improved, animal abandonment will continue," he pointed out.

He further advised, "In Europe and the United States, animals are not sold in pet shops, or only animals brought from abandoned animal shelters can be adopted. Korea also needs change. Along with the awareness of 'Don't buy, adopt,' a culture that establishes responsibility and obligation for raising life should be settled," he advised.

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