Korea strives to ensure animal rights

Over recent years, South Korea has fast become a much better place for pets to live in.

From slapping harsher punishment against animal abusers to supporting pet welfare and industries, the South Korean government has been moving toward protecting pets.

It was in 1991 that the government first enacted the animal protection law, recognizing animals as those in need of protection and support. While the implementation of the law was relatively meager, it imposed penalties on those who physically abuse animals.

The government has gradually toughened the punishment terms, imposing a one-year jail term or 10 million won ($8,660) fine since 2007. The animal protection law has also allowed authorities to temporarily restrict abusive owners from contacting their pets.

In 2013, the government widened the definition of “animal abuse” from “the act of killing animals” to “any act that leads to the animal’s death.”

“The change of regulations does not happen in a single day. It takes time and efforts. Although more progress is still needed, the regulations have greatly improved, compared to the first year when the government introduced the animal protection law,” said Park So-yeon, president of civic group Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth.

Along with the move to prevent animal abuse, the government initiated the pet dog registration scheme to curb the number of abandoned dogs. The scheme requires pet dog owners to either hang an identification card tag on their pets’ neck or insert a microchip that has the owner’s information.

The scheme, which started on a trial basis in 2007, was officially launched across the country in 2014.

As of late 2014, about 8.9 million pet dogs were registered, which is estimated to be around half of the total pet dogs in the country, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ report last year,

To boost welfare in line with the booming pet industry, the ministry launched a special task force in January this year. Comprised of 11 public officials, experts and activists, the team will come up with various measures by October to foster pet-related markets.

They include having some 3,200 vet nurses -- the first time this occupation is being introduced in Korea -- and installing more pet funeral facilities. The ministry expects that more facilities will lower the funeral cost.

The task force will also draw up clear monitoring criteria for running “pet cafes” -- cafes where visitors can play with pets. Despite the rise of such businesses, there are no specific monitoring rules over the management of pets.

Their role will also involve establishing a blood donation system among pets that currently has no regulations, leading to hygiene issues.

Along with the central government’s efforts, municipalities are also better protecting animal rights.

Seoul Metropolitan Government, for example, released a set of animal welfare measures last year.

The city said it will appoint over 10,000 children and 1,000 adults to work as volunteers to monitor and report on animal abuse cases, while offering animal rights classes at schools.

The city also said it would raise the number of pet playgrounds to five by 2020. Currently, only two are available in the city, with a new one slated to open early next year.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)

This is the fifth and last installment in a series of articles that look at Korea’s pet culture and industry. -- Ed.