"Is It Abandoned?" Will Pet Abandonment Decrease During Vacation Season?

Significant Increase in Abandoned Animals Every Year from June to September
Experts Say "Mature Companion Animal Culture Needed"

As the number of people raising pets increases, the number of abandoned and lost animals is also rising significantly.
[Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Reporter Intern Lee Gyehwa] As the number of abandoned pets at tourist destinations increases during the vacation season, concerns are rising that the number of stray animals could surge around the summer holidays. The period to protect animals that have lost their owners is only ten days. If they are not adopted or reunited with their owners within this period, euthanasia becomes inevitable, making the situation even more heartbreaking.

The population of pet owners is steadily increasing. According to the "2021 Korea Pet Report (survey of 1,000 adults aged 20 and over nationwide)" released by KB Financial Group Management Research Institute last March, as of the end of 2020, the pet-owning population in Korea was 14.48 million, with a total of 6.04 million pet-owning households, accounting for 29.7% of all households.

However, statistics on stray animals registered in the Animal Protection Management System of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency show that the number of stray animals significantly increases between June and September every year. Although animals are continuously abandoned, the number of stray animals notably rises during the summer season.

Han, a man in his 30s who has been raising 10 pet cats for eight years, including abandoned cats, expressed outrage over the recent series of animal abuse cases. Han said, "What crime have these voiceless animals committed?" and raised his voice, saying, "Abandoning and abusing animals is a crime." Park, a company employee in his 40s who owns a dog, added, "It is a clear crime," and said, "The punishment should be tougher."

An expert emphasized the urgent need for a change in perception regarding pets. Yoo Hyung-ah, a Master of Veterinary Surgery at Seoul National University (veterinarian), said, "To prevent the increase in stray animals, responsible behavior must follow, including continuous management of pets’ behavioral problems (barking, biting, toileting accidents) or illnesses," and stressed, "A change in awareness about animal welfare, pre-adoption education, and thorough management such as pre-registration are necessary."

Abandoned animals typically occur more frequently during the summer months when outdoor activities are common.

There is also an opinion that continuous promotion is needed to mature the culture of living with pets. Lee Won-bok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Federation, pointed out, "After the easing of social distancing, leaving quarantine to individual discretion and the increase in outdoor activities to satisfy suppressed face-to-face desires are fueling the abandonment of pets during the vacation season," and added, "The qualitative lag in pet-raising culture compared to the quantitative growth of the pet-owning population is also a factor in the increase of stray animals."

Lee explained, "To form a mature pet culture, it is necessary to recognize pet abandonment as a criminal act, and systematic education, promotion, and campaigns at the government level must be continuously conducted." He continued, "With the full revision of the Animal Protection Act in April this year, the level of punishment has been strengthened and is set to be enforced next year," emphasizing, "The public and private sectors must approach this together through the growth of responsibility and respect for life among pet owners and the strengthening of penalties."

As critical opinions from experts indicate, about 130,000 or more stray animals occur annually (based on 2020). It is known that about 30% of these end their lives through euthanasia. This is why it is necessary to prevent euthanasia of stray animals and improve the welfare level of pets.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will conduct a "Public-Private Joint Promotion Campaign" from the 23rd of this month to the 28th of next month to prevent pet abandonment and loss during the summer vacation season. This campaign was launched due to the increase in travel following the easing of social distancing and the summer vacation season. The campaign will be conducted together with local governments, animal protection organizations, and honorary animal protection monitors. Guidance and crackdowns on violations of the "Animal Protection Act" will also be carried out to prevent animal abuse and abandonment.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs official urged, "If you cannot take your pet along during summer vacation travel, please entrust them to pet hotels or other care facilities, and when vacationing with pets, please adhere well to pet etiquette."

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