Yoon Jeong-min, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, "Need for Policies Supporting Socially Vulnerable Companion Animals"

Published 27 Jul.2023 11:51(KST)

Yoon Jeong-min, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council, urged on the 27th that "ordinances and policies to support socially vulnerable companion animals should be established."

On the same day, Councilor Yoon made this statement during a 5-minute free speech at the 2nd plenary session of the 313th extraordinary meeting.

According to Councilor Yoon, as of the end of last year, companion animal households in South Korea accounted for 25.7% of all households. This means one in four households raises companion animals. The adoption rate of companion animals also increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Raising companion animals has been known to improve the quality of life for owners by reducing flu and stress, providing emotional stability, and enhancing immunity, effects that are even more beneficial to socially vulnerable groups who may experience greater social and psychological isolation.

Councilor Yoon emphasized the effects of companion animal care for socially vulnerable groups and highlighted the need for policies that can support ▲ difficulties in obtaining information on care methods ▲ lack of barrier-free walking paths for walking dogs ▲ unintended conflicts with neighbors ▲ financial burdens of care costs.

Yoon Jeong-min, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, "Need for Policies Supporting Socially Vulnerable Companion Animals"

Councilor Yoon explained, “If policies related to important social issues such as breaking down social barriers for people with disabilities and the increase of elderly living alone are explored in a way that coexists with companion animals, more positive effects can be expected.”

He added, “I hope our Seo-gu will take a step forward as a ‘better living Seo-gu community’ that provides social support networks and opportunities for interaction to various social members by enacting ordinances and implementing policies to support socially vulnerable companion animals.”