Gangwon Stray Animal Shelter Euthanizes Endangered 'Salk'... What Is the Reason?

As news spread through internet communities that a legally protected and endangered level 2 species, the Korean leopard cat (Sak), was euthanized at an animal shelter in Gangwon Province, netizens have poured out harsh criticism. Meanwhile, the shelter’s director explained the reason for the euthanasia, asking people to "listen once and judge for themselves."

On the 17th, Yonhap News contacted the animal shelter in Taebaek, Gangwon Province, where the Sak was euthanized, and reported on the circumstances leading to the decision.

[Photo by Yonhap News]

Center director Mr. A responded with a tired voice, "Are you calling because of the Sak?" and reportedly said, "I have explained the situation to dozens of people over the phone, so please listen once and judge for yourself."

The animal shelter received a complaint call around 6 p.m. on the 15th from a citizen reporting "a kitten was injured." When shelter staff arrived at the scene, they found a young Sak whose hind leg appeared to have been crushed by a car tire.

The injury was severe, and they tried to take the animal to a veterinary hospital, but since it was a late holiday afternoon, no clinics were open.

Therefore, the shelter cared for the Sak at the center for one day and visited a veterinary hospital early the next day.

However, the Sak’s condition was already too severe to be treated, and the veterinarian recommended euthanasia, judging that even if the animal barely survived, the pain it would endure during recovery would be greater.

Mr. A also explained that after seeing the Sak’s devastating lower body condition, he agreed with the veterinarian’s assessment and had no choice but to decide on euthanasia despite the animal being an endangered species.

[Photo by Yonhap News]

Earlier on the 17th, a post titled "Is it okay to euthanize an endangered species?" was shared on several online communities. The post claimed that a Sak was euthanized at an animal shelter in Gangwon Province the previous day and included a screenshot of information registered in the National Animal Protection Information System.

The screenshot showed a photo of a young Sak estimated to be less than 60 days old inside a cage, with the status marked as "terminated (euthanized)" and contact information for the shelter official.

Netizens who saw the post criticized, saying things like, "Judging by the facial stripes, it is definitely a Sak," "How can they euthanize it when the breed is clearly listed as Sak?" and "Shouldn’t this be legally punished?"

Center director Mr. A told Yonhap News, "My phone number is written on the photo circulating online, and I am being harassed by numerous calls, including people impersonating reporters," and pleaded, "Please refrain from calling."

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