"Mandatory Muzzle Training: Unending Dog Bite Incidents"

Large Dog Attacks Pedestrian on a Hillside in Namyangju, Gyeonggi
3-Minute Struggle... Victim Transported to Hospital but Ultimately Dies
Leash and Muzzle Mandatory for Large Breeds
Over 2,000 Dog Bite Cases Annually in Past 3 Years
Expert: "Large Dogs Are Very Dangerous... Thorough Socialization Needed"

When walking with a pet dog, pet etiquette such as putting on a muzzle must be observed. This photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article.
Photo by YouTube screen capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Public outrage is growing after a large dog roaming without a muzzle in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, bit a woman to death. Critics argue that leaving a dangerous dog that poses a risk of attacking people outside without even minimal safety measures is irresponsible. Experts emphasize the responsibility of owners raising dangerous dogs and the importance of adhering to safety precautions.

◆Three-minute struggle with a large dog... woman ultimately dies

A woman in her 50s was fatally bitten by a large dog in Namyangju, and CCTV footage of the accident scene has been released. / Photo by YTN

According to Namyangju City and the police, at around 3:20 p.m. on the 22nd, a large dog attacked a woman in her 50s on a mountain in Namyangju. The dog involved was a mixed breed of Samoyed and Pungsan dog, approximately 150 cm in length and weighing about 30 kg, roaming near the mountain without a muzzle or leash.

On the 26th, CCTV footage capturing the large dog attacking the victim was released. The video shows a woman wearing red clothes walking when the dog grabs her arm and pulls her down. As the woman falls to the ground, the dog attacks her more fiercely. The struggle lasted over three minutes, and after the dog disappeared, the woman came down the mountain and collapsed in front of a nearby factory.

A factory employee found the injured and collapsed woman and called 119. The woman was urgently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment but ultimately passed away.

The large dog captured by the police has been moved to a city-run animal shelter. The dog's disposition will be discussed after the investigation concludes, including locating the owner.

◆Unending dog bite incidents... over 2,000 cases annually

This is not the first incident of a large dog attacking a person without a muzzle. Earlier in February, a Rottweiler, classified as a dangerous dog, attacked a pedestrian and a companion dog during a walk in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, causing injuries.

On July 25 last year, a dangerous dog attacked and killed a small Spitz dog. / Photo by Yonhap News TV

In July last year, in a narrow alley in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, a dangerous dog without a muzzle attacked and killed a small Spitz dog. During the incident, the Spitz’s owner was also injured.

According to the current Animal Protection Act, it is mandatory to use a leash when taking companion dogs outside. Especially, if the dog belongs to one of the five dangerous breeds ? Dosa dog, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Rottweiler ? wearing a muzzle is also mandatory.

However, dog bite incidents caused by dangerous dogs without muzzles continue unabated. According to the 'Dog Bite Emergency Transport Status' compiled by the Fire Agency, over 2,000 dog bite incidents occurred annually from 2016 to 2018.

◆Expert: "Thorough socialization and muzzle training are essential"

Given the situation, public anger is intensifying. There are calls to strengthen the qualifications and responsibilities of owners raising dangerous dogs.

According to the current Animal Protection Act, five types of large fierce dogs are required to wear muzzles. / Photo by Yonhap News

A in their 20s, an office worker who heard about the Namyangju dangerous dog incident through the news, said, "It's truly horrifying. Anyone encountering a large dog could suffer such an accident," adding, "Even just seeing someone walking a large dog on the street makes me cautious. People who raise such animals must, of course, take thorough safety measures."

Another office worker, B (28), said, "From the perspective of a dog owner, I believe the biggest fault lies with owners who do not take proper measures like muzzling to prevent dog bites," criticizing, "Letting a dog roam without a muzzle causes harm not only to people around but also to other pets. If a pet attacks a person, it can cause casualties, and the dog often has no option but euthanasia."

Experts warn that dangerous dogs can be very dangerous when excited and stress the responsibility of owners.

Animal trainer Kang Hyungwook warned on his YouTube channel 'Kang Hyungwook’s Bodum TV,' "Dangerous dog breeds usually weigh over 30 kg, sometimes up to 50 kg. They have large heads and mouths and very strong biting power, so they can be truly dangerous."

He added, "If you raise a dangerous dog, you must thoroughly socialize it from a young age," emphasizing, "Especially muzzle training must be done without fail, absolutely without fail."

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