"Euthanasia Not Justified"… Animal Group Steps in to Take Custody of Dog Involved in Ulsan Bite Incident

"Owner's Responsibility for Failing to Properly Control and Manage Dog"
Euthanasia Procedure Temporarily Suspended

A dog involved in an attack on an 8-year-old child at an apartment complex in Ulsan. Photo by ????????????????? Instagram

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Gun-chan] An 8-year-old elementary school student was bitten by a dog in an apartment complex in Ulsan, and an animal organization has expressed its intention to take custody of the dog involved in the incident.

The animal welfare organization Beagle Rescue Network posted a statement titled "Position on the Dog Bite Incident Involving an Elementary School Student in Ulju-gun" on Instagram on the 18th, along with a photo of the dog involved.

The organization stated, "As a professional group specializing in the systematic protection and care of dogs, if we can take custody of the dog, we will responsibly and safely protect it within the scope prescribed by law." They also added, "If necessary, we will prohibit the dog from leaving the living space for the required period until safety is guaranteed."

They continued, "We respect and uphold the value of human rights. Under no circumstances can there be an ideology or value that surpasses human rights. However, sacrificing this dog cannot be seen as realizing the value of human rights and social justice."

Furthermore, they said, "The responsibility lies with the owner who failed to properly control and manage the dog. The method the owner used to keep the dog tied up amounts to animal abuse, and this is a clear example of how a dog with a loose leash can cause dangerous situations in society. Therefore, it is appropriate to impose legal and social responsibility only on the owner who neglected safety management by keeping the dog tied and caused this incident."

Earlier, on the 11th, a 13.5kg medium-sized dog with a loose leash in an apartment complex in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, chased and bit A (8), who was returning from school, injuring his neck and arm severely. A was taken to the hospital, underwent suturing surgery, and is currently receiving inpatient treatment.

The delivery worker who saved the child explained through SBS YouTube's 'Video Mug,' "The child was lying completely flat with blood flowing all over his body, and a black dog was biting and shaking the child's body," adding, "It wasn't just biting; it was really trying to devour the child."

The police have booked the dog owner, a person in their late 70s living nearby, on charges of negligence causing injury and requested the prosecution to order euthanasia of the seized dog due to concerns that "there is a risk of danger caused by the seized animal."

However, the prosecution has stated that based on the investigation so far, it is difficult to recognize the "risk of danger," and the euthanasia procedure has been temporarily suspended.

The owner has relinquished authority over the dog involved in the incident. The dog is reportedly entrusted to an animal shelter in Ulsan.

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