Starving pets to death will be punished as abuse... Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of 30 million won

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Starting next year, if a companion animal is caused to die by not providing at least minimum living space or food, it will be punished as an act of animal abuse. From the year after next, permission must be obtained from the mayor or governor to raise a dangerous dog.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 25th that the "Animal Protection Act Amendment" containing these provisions will be promulgated on the 26th.

The amended law will be enforced from April 27 next year, one year after its promulgation. However, some systems will take effect from April 27, 2024, two years after promulgation, considering the preparation period.

From April 27 next year, acts that cause the death of companion animals by violating the duty of care and management, such as not providing minimum living space or food, will be included as legal animal abuse acts. Those who commit such acts will face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won.

In addition, a private animal protection facility reporting system will be introduced. To temporarily protect lost, abandoned, or abused animals, facilities of a certain scale or larger must report to the competent local government and comply with related facility and operation standards.

Local governments will also be able to take over animals abandoned by owners. However, to prevent indiscriminate takeover applications, the reasons for abandonment are strictly limited to cases such as "long-term hospitalization" or "military service."

Animal import business, animal sales business, and animal funeral business will change from a registration system to a licensing system, and penalties for unlicensed or unregistered operations will be strengthened. Unlicensed operators will face imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won, and unregistered operators will face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

From April 27, 2024, a dangerous dog breeding permit system will be introduced. To raise five breeds?Dosa dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers?and their mixed breeds, permission must be obtained from the mayor or governor.

At this time, the decision on whether to grant a breeding permit will be based on an aggression assessment of the dangerous dog. Those currently raising dangerous dogs must obtain permission within six months after the system's implementation date.

For general dogs that cause harm to people or animals, the mayor or governor may order a temperament assessment, and based on the results, the dog may be designated as a dangerous dog. In such cases, a breeding permit must be obtained just like for dangerous dogs.

In the year after next, a national qualification for companion animal behavior instructors and a renewal system for animal welfare livestock farm certification will be established. For the national qualification for companion animal behavior instructors, detailed matters such as exam subjects and passing criteria will be prepared through subordinate legislation amendments.

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