[Report] Enforcement of Animal Protection Act, Visiting Chungmuro's 'Aegyeon Street'...

"It seems like a really positive change for pets."

On the 27th, Park Jeong-hoon (34), an office worker whom we met near the 'Pet Street' in Chungmuro, Jung-gu, Seoul, said about the recently revised Animal Protection Act, "I hope pet owners become more aware of it."

From now on, importing and selling pets without separate permission will be punishable by up to two years in prison. The obligations of pet owners are also being strengthened. When using a carrier, a locking device must be installed, and in dormitories, officetels, etc., pet dogs must be carried or restrained with a leash to limit movement. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the 'Animal Protection Act' and its enforcement decree and rules have been revised and came into effect on the 27th.

Merchants we met at pet shops that day generally showed positive reactions. Regarding the change from a 'registration system' to a 'permission system' for pet import and sales, one pet shop owner said, "I think customers will trust us more." Another pet shop owner also said, "I saw the changes in the law, and it seems like a law that ultimately cherishes pets more," adding, "As someone working in the pet industry, I support it."

From now on, a separate permit must be obtained when importing or selling companion animals. The photo shows a pet shop located in Chungmuro, Jung-gu, Seoul. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Han Seunggon.

원본보기 아이콘

According to the law revision, pet import and sales and funeral services will switch from a registration system to a permission system, and penalties will be strengthened. Until now, the fine was only up to 5 million KRW, but now unauthorized operators face up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to 20 million KRW, and unregistered operators face up to one year imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million KRW. If unauthorized or unregistered businesses continue operations despite suspension orders, local governments can take necessary measures to close the business premises.

Those who trade animals for abandonment or disposal purposes due to aging or illness will be fined up to 3 million KRW. Violations of the ban on breeding and giving birth of dogs and cats under 12 months of age will incur fines up to 5 million KRW, and violations of the ban on selling dogs and cats under 2 months of age will be fined up to 3 million KRW.

The government had previously conducted intensive inspections of unauthorized and unregistered pet businesses. A Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs official said, "Penalties for unauthorized and unregistered businesses, such as a 5 million KRW fine, were weak, and there were no regulations for forced closure of business premises, limiting the eradication of illegal and illicit business practices. Inspections and crackdowns have focused on facility and personnel standards for permitted and registered businesses, making it difficult to crack down on abuse occurring at business sites and so-called new types of pet shops operating illicitly."

Pet street located in Chungmuro, Jung-gu, Seoul. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Han Seunggon

원본보기 아이콘

The obligations of pet owners are also being strengthened. When using a carrier instead of a leash or harness during outings, pet dog owners must equip locking devices to prevent animals from escaping. Also, owners must restrict movement by carrying their dogs or holding a leash or harness not only in apartments or multi-family houses but also in dormitories, officetels, multi-residential facilities, and common indoor areas of senior welfare housing. The list of restricted areas for dangerous dogs such as Dosa dogs, Pit Bull Terriers, and Rottweilers is expanded from the existing 'daycare centers, kindergartens, elementary and special schools' to include 'senior welfare facilities, disability welfare facilities, children's parks, and children's playgrounds.'

Additionally, the animal rescue and protection system will be improved. The period during which local governments isolate abused animals after rescue will be extended from '3 days or more' to '5 days or more.' Owners must submit a plan to the local government to prevent recurrence of abuse when reclaiming the animal, and a treatment program order system for abusers will be introduced.

While citizens responded positively to the direction of the law revision, concerns remain about noise conflicts caused by pet dogs in shared residential areas such as apartments. Park Min-hyung (41), an office worker met near 'Pet Street,' said, "There are still many pet owners who do not use leashes or muzzles," adding, "Although strengthening the law this time will not completely change such behavior, it will have a deterrent effect." A self-employed person in their 50s lamented, "People often fight over dogs barking in apartments," and said, "I hope such conflicts disappear with additional law revisions."

Experts agreed with the direction of the law revision while emphasizing the need for more fundamental measures for animal welfare. Lee Won-bok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Association, said, "The law revision will improve animal welfare, but it is unlikely to be a fundamental solution." He emphasized, "For animal welfare, pet owners should shift to a virtuous cycle of adopting pets." However, Lee said that through this law revision, "Pet owners can reconsider animal welfare, and pets are better protected through 'owner obligations,' strengthening welfare aspects." He added, "Ultimately, to create a mature pet culture, awareness improvement among pet owners seems necessary."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.