"Walk a Puppy for 20,000 Won?" Pungsangae Walk Experience in Anseong City Sparks Animal Abuse Controversy

Dog Walking Experience, 'Rental for Filming' Controversy
Experts Warn "May Lead to Disregard for Life" Concerns

A paid experience program where participants walk dogs is causing controversy over animal abuse. Photo by Channel A News Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] A controversy has arisen over a Pungsan dog farm in Anseong City, Gyeonggi Province, conducting a paid puppy walking experience business. Citizens are raising their voices in criticism, saying that using dogs for curiosity and enjoyment constitutes animal abuse. Experts pointed out that forcibly walking animals against their will can be considered a form of abuse.

On the 6th, Channel A News reported that a Pungsan dog farm in Anseong City, Gyeonggi Province, used 2-3 month-old puppies for a 'Pungsan Dog Experience.'

According to the report, the program rents out puppies for two hours under the pretext of an animal experience. The puppies are forced to walk with participants and are exposed to activities such as taking photos. Some puppies were continuously dragged around on leashes during the rental period.

Photo by Channel A News Capture

Such dragging of 2-3 month-old puppies can negatively affect their growth if they lack sufficient sleep and rest time. Especially, forced walks can expose them to various diseases and stress, potentially causing behavioral problems such as barking and biting.

Puppies are generally known to require 18-19 hours, up to 20 hours, of sleep. Dr. Karen Becker, a well-known American veterinarian, explained, "Sleep after adoption is an important activity because it helps brain development, learning ability, memory, and the immune system."

Despite this situation, the farm is popular enough to attract about 100 visitors a day through various social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Currently, there are over 1,000 posts related to 'Anseong Pungsan Dog Farm' on Instagram.

Moreover, in response to the flood of adoption inquiries, the farm is not only renting but also selling puppies, which has intensified criticism. Puppies used in the walking experience are raised for breeding purposes once they become adults.

A 29-year-old office worker, A, said, "Forcing young puppies to walk is clearly animal abuse. I don't understand people who knowingly participate in such experiences." He added, "This business is completely incompatible with the current movement to abolish puppy mills, as the dogs are used for breeding once they grow up."

He continued, "If this business proves profitable, dog sellers will mushroom to sell that breed. People will be attracted by their cute appearance but will abandon them once they grow bigger. This all happens because animal abuse penalties are weak. I hope the law is revised to enforce stricter regulations and punishments."

As the controversy continues, the company stated, "We are taking care of the puppies' health by limiting the number of walks" and "We will gradually reduce the experience program."

A post on the Blue House National Petition Board urging the abolition of the Pungsangae dog farm walking experience program in Anseong City and demanding strict punishment. Photo by Blue House National Petition website capture

Consequently, some voices are calling for the complete suspension of the business amid concerns. Recently, a petition titled "Reporting the Cruelty of the Experience Program at Anseong Pungsan Dog Farm and Demanding Operational Sanctions and Severe Punishment" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board, urging the program's abolition and punishment.

The petitioner said, "Seeing the expression of a puppy being dragged on a leash without being able to make any sound and without getting the guaranteed sleep time of the day, as a dog owner, I have nothing to say even if I had ten mouths." They added, "Using voiceless animals for simple profit and causing them mental stress is all abuse."

They further emphasized, "What should not be overlooked is that not only the operators but also those who participate and enjoy the program without any sense of problem are the issue. Such programs should have neither suppliers nor consumers. Therefore, I strongly demand the suspension of operations and severe punishment." As of 11:30 AM on the 15th, the petition had received 2,663 signatures.

Experts expressed concerns that such animal experience businesses could lead to disregard for life.

Lee Wonbok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Alliance, said, "The walking experience at Anseong Pungsan Dog Farm is clear animal abuse. Although it is packaged as an experience, it ultimately treats a living being like a doll." He pointed out, "Puppies have weak immunity and can experience great stress walking with strangers. Repeated occurrences of such acts can easily cause emotional problems." He added, "Viewing companion animals as dolls or toys can lead to disregard for life, which is worrisome."

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