Gwangju Seo-gu 'Ordinance on Prevention of Companion Animal Abuse, etc.' Passes Standing Committee

Representative Proposal by Yoon Jeong-min, Seo-gu Council Member

The Seo-gu Council of Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 17th that the "Partial Amendment to the Ordinance on the Protection of Companion Animals and Lost and Abandoned Animals and Prevention of Abuse," proposed by Councilor Yoon Jeong-min during the 314th extraordinary session, has passed the relevant standing committee.

Earlier, Councilor Yoon consistently raised the need for related grounds and policies concerning companion animal care through a 5-minute free speech, including "urging the creation of parks for companion animals" and "preparing ordinances and policies to support socially vulnerable companion animals."

According to related data, during the COVID-19 pandemic period, domestic adoptions of companion animals significantly increased, confirming that one in four households owns a companion animal.

It was also mentioned that research has confirmed the "companion animal effect" is more effective for socially vulnerable groups who may feel greater social and psychological isolation, and it is being considered as a means of policy intervention.

Accordingly, the partial amendment to the ordinance includes grounds for support to implement policies for "supporting companion animal care for socially vulnerable groups," considering ordinances and policies related to companion animal support for socially vulnerable groups in local governments nationwide.

The main contents of the ordinance amendment include ▲establishing support measures necessary for companion animal care by socially vulnerable groups and reflecting them in the basic plan ▲efforts and procedural considerations for supporting medical expenses for companion animals of socially vulnerable groups ▲considerations regarding companion animal caretakers and socially vulnerable groups who wish to care for companion animals in holding companion animal cultural events and education and publicity plans.

Councilor Yoon said, "I hope that in our Seo-gu, a more desirable companion animal care culture will be fostered along with the promotion of positive interactions among various social members, including socially vulnerable groups who are caring for or wish to care for companion animals."

Shin Dong-ho, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy bless4ya@asiae.co.kr

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