Pet Abuse Suspect's Identity Disclosure Petition... Cheong Urges "Appropriate Punishment"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The government responded to a Blue House petition requesting severe punishment and public disclosure of personal information for the suspect who adopted and abused 19 companion dogs, including poodles, until their deaths, stating, "We hope the suspect receives appropriate punishment."

On the 4th, Kim Jong-hoon, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, answered as the respondent to the national petition, saying, "The police have currently sent the suspect to the prosecution on charges of violating the Animal Protection Act."

A total of over 210,000 citizens agreed to the petition demanding severe punishment and public disclosure of personal information for the suspect who adopted, abused, and killed 19 companion dogs, including poodles.

Vice Minister Kim stated, "We cannot help but feel sorrow over the ongoing serious animal abuse crimes," adding, "Our government has continuously strengthened punishments for animal abuse and improved related animal protection systems in response to social demands since the beginning of its term."

He emphasized that the government has continuously strengthened punishments for acts of animal abuse, saying, "The government will continue to consult with the Supreme Court Sentencing Commission to ensure court rulings on animal abuse crimes meet societal expectations."

Vice Minister Kim explained, "The government submitted a ‘Civil Code Amendment’ to the National Assembly on October 1 last year, which includes the provision that ‘animals are not objects,’ and it is currently awaiting parliamentary discussion," adding, "There have been criticisms that the fundamental reason for insufficient punishment for animal abuse and compensation for animal damage lies in our legal system treating animals as objects."

He further explained, "If the provision that ‘animals are not objects’ is newly established, it is expected to strengthen punishments for animal abuse and contribute to expanding the scope of social coexistence that respects life, regardless of whether it is animals or humans."

However, regarding the public disclosure of personal information requested by the petitioner, he stated, "Under current laws, public disclosure applies to ‘specific violent crimes’ such as murder, robbery, and rape, as well as ‘sexual violence crimes,’ and this case does not fall under those categories."

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