'Tracking Animal Abuse to the End'... Gyeonggi-do Investigates 491 Sites, Catches 3 Cases

Major Cases of Emergency Investigations into Illegal Activities Such as Animal Abuse

Gyeonggi Province has identified three locations violating the Animal Protection Act by neglecting dogs under its care without proper protection or treatment, causing their deaths, or breeding and selling dogs without authorization.

The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police conducted an emergency investigation into animal abuse from April 10 to 31 to prevent a recurrence of the 'Yangpyeong Dog Carcass Incident.' Deploying 13 teams with 110 personnel to inspect 491 areas suspected of animal abuse, they announced on the 12th that three locations violating the Animal Protection Act were uncovered. Additionally, 11 other locations reported for suspected animal abuse during the investigation period will also be investigated.

Under the current Animal Protection Act, acts of abuse leading to death are punishable by up to three years imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million KRW, while unauthorized or unregistered business activities related to companion animals carry fines of up to 5 million KRW.

Furthermore, under the Waste Management Act, recycling leftover food as dog feed without reporting it as waste disposal is punishable by up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to 20 million KRW. Under the Livestock Manure Management Act, failure to report livestock manure discharge facilities results in up to one year imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million KRW.

Meanwhile, from April 27 this year, the 'Animal Protection Act,' fully revised for the first time in 31 years since its enactment, will be enforced.

To strengthen management against indiscriminate business operations, the scope of permits has been expanded from the existing animal production industry to include sales, import, and funeral services, with unauthorized business operations punishable by up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to 20 million KRW. The responsibility awareness of pet owners and the welfare of companion animals will also be enhanced.

Hong Eun-gi, head of the Provincial Civil Special Judicial Police, emphasized, "As seen in the cases in Yangpyeong and Gwangju, reports from residents about animal abuse played a decisive role. We ask all residents to actively report to ensure effective investigations at the provincial level, and we plan to continue investigations in 2023 to eradicate illegal activities related to animals."

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