"Please Do Not Abandon" Concerns Over Surge in Pet Abandonment During Summer Vacation Season

Sharp Increase in Pet Abandonment During Summer Vacation
Experts Say "Pet Abandonment Is a Serious Crime"

Pets. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] As the population raising companion animals increases, the number of lost and abandoned animals is also rising significantly every year. Especially during vacation seasons, the number of abandoned companion animals sharply increases, raising greater concerns.

Experts suggest that institutional measures are needed to change awareness about animal abuse and animal welfare and to prevent the increase of abandoned animals.

According to the '2019 Companion Animal Protection and Welfare Management Status' survey announced by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency last May, the number of lost and abandoned companion animals rescued and protected last year was 135,791, a 12% increase from the previous year. The numbers have been continuously rising with 89,732 in 2016, 102,593 in 2017, and 121,077 in 2018.

In particular, the number of abandoned animals tended to surge around vacation seasons, holidays, and extended breaks.

Last year, the number of abandoned animals was highest during the vacation months of July and August with 28,062 cases (20.7%), followed by 26,067 cases (19.2%) in September and October, which included the Chuseok holiday. It is analyzed that the number of abandoned companion animals increases as owners leave their homes for extended periods during vacations.

Kim (28), an office worker who said he raises a Boston Terrier, stated, "Dogs are precious lives just like humans. Abandoning them because your feelings have cooled or you lack the capacity to care for them is truly irresponsible," adding, "If you cannot take full responsibility for a companion animal from the start, you should not consider raising one."

Abandoned dog at an animal shelter. / Photo by Yonhap News

Currently, the government introduced the 'Companion Animal Registration System' in 2014 to prevent loss and abandonment of companion dogs. However, management and enforcement are rarely carried out, leading to criticism that the system is ineffective as a measure to prevent animal abandonment.

Another issue pointed out is the weak punishment for abandoning companion animals. Under the current Animal Protection Act, the penalty for abandoning a companion animal is limited to a fine of up to 3 million KRW, which is considered insufficient. There is also a limitation in that it is impossible to monitor every abandonment case.

Experts suggest that there needs to be recognition that abandoning companion animals is a serious crime and that penalties for such acts should be strengthened.

Lee Won-bok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Association, said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 24th, "While the number of people raising companion animals is increasing, the number of animals being abandoned is also rising. Companion animals are not objects that can be easily discarded when circumstances become difficult. It is like abandoning a family member," he pointed out.

He continued, "Leaving companion animals alone for more than 24 hours during vacations can cause them significant stress, anxiety, and fear. When going on vacation or traveling, it is recommended to go to places where you can bring your companion dog along or use pet hotels where you can entrust your dog."

Lee emphasized, "There needs to be a clear recognition that abandoning animals is a serious crime. Also, the penalties for abandoning companion animals should be strengthened."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) announced on the 16th that it will conduct a joint public-private promotional campaign from the 27th of this month to the 30th of next month to prevent animal loss and abandonment during the summer vacation season. MAFRA, local governments, and animal protection organizations will conduct guidance and enforcement against violations of the 'Animal Protection Act' during this campaign.

Focusing on places where vacation crowds gather, the campaign will promote Δ attaching leashes and identification tags when going out with animals Δ mandatory leashes and muzzles for dangerous dogs Δ prohibition of animal abuse and abandonment Δ providing information on locations of pet hotels and entrusted care facilities available during vacation periods.

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