Gyeonggi Province Requires Dangerous Dog Owners to Obtain "Dangerous Dog Ownership Permit" by October 26

Must Meet Requirements Such as Animal Registration, Liability Insurance, and Neutering
Permit Issued Only After Receiving a "Suitable" Rating at Temperament Assessment Center
Failure to Obtain Permit by Deadline May Result in Fines of Up to 10 Million Won

Residents of Gyeonggi Province who keep dangerous dogs as pets must obtain a "dangerous dog ownership permit" by October 26.

Temperament assessment scene. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

The dangerous dog ownership permit system was newly implemented on April 27 last year, following the amendment of the Animal Protection Act on April 26, 2022. The system requires those who currently own or intend to own dangerous dogs to obtain permission from the mayor or provincial governor in order to strengthen the safety management of companion dogs. Considering the circumstances of owners and local conditions, a guidance period has been in place until now.

According to the revised Animal Protection Act, in order to keep one of the five designated breeds-Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler-or their crossbreeds, owners must meet basic requirements such as animal registration, liability insurance, and neutering. They must then apply to the animal protection department of their local city or county office.

Once the application for an ownership permit is submitted to the province, a temperament assessment is conducted at permanent assessment centers located in Siheung, Gwangju, and Gimpo. The assessment comprehensively analyzes the dog's health, behavior, and the owner's ability to control the animal to determine its level of aggression. If it is determined that the dog poses no threat to people or other animals, a permit will be issued. Failure to obtain the permit within the deadline may result in disadvantages such as a fine of up to 10 million won in accordance with the Animal Protection Act.

In relation to this, Gyeonggi Province is offering a free "preliminary mock temperament assessment" for the first 30 dangerous dogs on a first-come, first-served basis to enhance convenience for residents. The "preliminary mock temperament assessment" allows permit applicants to participate in a mock test during the scheduling process for the official temperament assessment.

Lee Yeonsuk, Director of the Animal Welfare Division of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "The dangerous dog ownership permit is an essential procedure to ensure the happiness and safety of both residents and dangerous dogs," and urged, "As you may face disadvantages if you do not obtain the permit, please make sure to apply within the deadline."

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