How to Live with Your Daengdaengi?... Seongdong-gu Operates 'Companion Animal Culture Class'

In August, educational programs in 5 fields conducted at 3 locations including Haengdang-dong Bauram

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Won-oh) is operating a ‘Companion Animal Culture Class’ for households with companion animals in the area.

According to the 2021 statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the population of companion animals in Korea has exceeded 13 million. As animals are recognized as family members, the term companion animal has become popular instead of pet. They are not just ‘like family’ but truly ‘family’.

On the other hand, with the increase in companion animal households, conflicts between companion animal owners and non-owners are frequently seen. Recently, dog bite incidents have become common, and disputes arise over dogs without leashes or muzzles, while abandoned feces on the streets cause displeasure.

To resolve such ‘companion animal conflicts’ and spread a proper animal protection culture, Seongdong-gu will operate the ‘Companion Animal Culture Class’ in August.

The education consists of five one-day courses: basic education on socialization and etiquette of companion dogs; advanced education on problem behaviors and psychological theories of companion animals; periodic medical knowledge on disease awareness and health management; making healthy homemade snacks for companion animals; and education on companion animal massage techniques and stress relief methods. The tuition fee is free.

Applications can be made on the Seongdong-gu Office website until the 28th. A total of 74 participants will be recruited for the five courses, and if the number exceeds the limit, participants will be randomly selected by lottery.

The education will be held at three locations including Bauraum in Haengdang-dong. Last year, due to COVID-19, the program was conducted online with a total of six courses and 94 participants, showing high satisfaction.

The district is promoting various projects such as ‘Companion Dog Walking Manners Education’ to help resolve conflicts among residents and support the psychological stability of companion dogs, and the establishment of the ‘Companion Dog Together Center’ to address questions arising from raising companion animals.

Jeong Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “We expect the Companion Animal Culture Class program to contribute to forming a proper care culture by increasing understanding of companion animals,” and added, “We will expand companion animal education and create various policies so that people and animals can coexist happily.”

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