Even the 'Gaetongryeong' Bitten... Over 10,000 Dog Bite Incidents in the Last 5 Years (Comprehensive)

Average Medical Cost for Dog Bite Incidents Reaches 2 Million Won
Mandatory Enrollment in Dangerous Dog Liability Insurance Starting February Next Year
Insurance Companies Begin Developing Liability Insurance Products

Dangerous dog attacks pedestrian (PG) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] Recently, Kang Hyung-wook, a dog trainer known as the 'Dog President,' was shown on a broadcast being bitten by an American Bully, a dog breed known as a 'dangerous dog,' sparking increased interest in related insurance.

In fact, over the past five years, the number of cases transported to hospitals due to dog bite incidents has reached around 10,000, showing a frequent occurrence trend. Experts advise that people should subscribe to insurance to receive at least minimal coverage for dog bite accidents.

According to the insurance industry on the 27th, non-life insurance companies are currently developing products related to liability insurance for owners of dangerous dogs. This is because the Animal Protection Act, which will be enforced from February 12 next year, mandates subscription to dangerous dog liability insurance.

According to the Animal Protection Act, owners of dangerous dogs must ensure their dogs wear a leash and muzzle when outside, and prevent dangerous dogs from entering daycare centers, kindergartens, and elementary schools. They must also complete three hours of online education annually on raising dangerous dogs.

In particular, non-life insurance subscription is mandatory. Failure to subscribe results in a fine of up to 3 million KRW. If a person dies due to violation of safety management obligations, imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million KRW will be imposed.

If injury is caused, imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million KRW must be paid. Dangerous dog breeds include Dosa dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and their crossbreeds.

This is largely due to the significant increase in dangerous dog incidents in recent years. According to the dog bite emergency transport statistics compiled by the Fire Agency, a total of 10,614 dog bite incidents occurred over the past five years. Since 2016, more than 2,000 cases have been consistently reported annually.

Medical expenses due to dog bite accidents are also on the rise. According to statistics on medical expenses for dog bite accidents released by the Insurance Development Institute, the average medical expense per victim during the same period reached 2 million KRW. The average medical cost increased by 61.4%, from 1.48 million KRW in 2014 to 2.39 million KRW in 2018.

To prevent dog bite accidents, one should not touch or approach dogs without the owner's permission, and avoid provoking dogs that are eating or raising puppies as they are sensitive. Also, children should not be left alone with dogs, and dogs must wear a leash and muzzle when outside.

Additionally, when a dog attacks, try to block physical contact as much as possible with bags or clothing, and if you fall, curl up and protect your ears and neck with your hands.

To prevent dog bite accident damage and assist victims, the Insurance Development Institute and the non-life insurance industry have begun developing liability insurance.

The compensation limits include a maximum of 80 million KRW for death, basic personal injury compensation limits ranging from 200,000 KRW to 15 million KRW, and an animal compensation limit of 2 million KRW per accident.

Some non-life insurers are currently selling insurance that covers accidents where companion dogs bite others. You can subscribe to a liability insurance rider for bite accidents under pet insurance, also known as 'pet insurance,' or select a daily life liability insurance rider. Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance offers a liability insurance rider with a limit of 10 million KRW per incident. DB Insurance allows subscription to a liability insurance rider with coverage up to 5 million KRW for 416 KRW based on a 0-year-old dog.

The daily life liability insurance rider covers not only dog bite accidents but also injuries caused to others or damage to others' property due to one's own fault. The coverage limit is usually set up to 100 million KRW.

An official from a non-life insurance company said, "As the population of companion animals increases, interest in pet insurance is high, but many hesitate to subscribe due to financial reasons," adding, "Establishing at least minimal safety measures can protect not only the victims of dog bite accidents but also the pet owners themselves."

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