Jeonnam Province Prepares Follow-up Measures at Provincial Level for 'Animal Protection Act Amendment'

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province announced on the 6th that it plans to thoroughly prepare follow-up measures at the provincial level to establish a mature companion animal culture in accordance with the enforcement of the full revision of the “Animal Protection Act,” which reflects the changed public awareness regarding animal protection and welfare.

Since the 27th of last month, the full revision of the “Animal Protection Act” has been enforced to improve the level of animal welfare and prevent animal abuse and dangerous dog safety accidents.

The full revision added “acts by companion animal owners that cause the death of companion animals by violating obligations such as providing breeding space and food” to the list of animal abuse acts.

Violations of this are punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 30 million won. Previously, acts causing death by animal abuse were punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 30 million won; acts causing injury or disease by animal abuse were punishable by imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine of up to 20 million won; and abandonment of animals was punishable by a fine of up to 3 million won.

The animal import business, sales business, and burial business, which were previously registration-based, have been changed to a permit system, and penalties for unlicensed and unregistered operations have been strengthened.

Previously, unlicensed and unregistered operations were punishable by a fine of up to 5 million won, but from now on, they will be subject to imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine of up to 20 million won.

Those who wish to raise dangerous dogs must obtain permission from the mayor or provincial governor. Dangerous dogs include five breeds: Dosa dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and their mixed breeds.

To expand nationally certified companion animal experts, a national qualification for “Companion Animal Behavior Instructor” has been newly established.

Those with specialized knowledge and skills in companion animal behavior analysis, evaluation, and training can acquire the qualification through an examination process.

Soyoungho, Director of the Agriculture, Livestock and Food Bureau of Jeonnam Province, said, “The full revision of the Animal Protection Act has provided an opportunity to establish a systematic animal protection and welfare system,” and added, “We will thoroughly prepare the necessary measures in accordance with the government’s revision of subordinate laws.”

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