The government will introduce a system that prohibits animal breeding for a certain period to prevent repeat offenses by animal abusers. It also plans to raise the fine for abandoning pets from the current 3 million won to 5 million won.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the 'Third Comprehensive Animal Welfare Plan (2025-2029)' on the 27th.
The government has decided to establish a 'prohibition of animal breeding' system to prevent individuals convicted of animal abuse and at high risk of reoffending from keeping animals for a certain period. It plans to discuss detailed criteria with the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court, local governments, and experts, aiming to implement it from 2027.
Penalties for abandoning animals will also be strengthened. Currently, abandoning an animal incurs a fine of up to 3 million won, but a plan to raise this to 5 million won is under consideration. Furthermore, failing to retrieve an animal left at a veterinary clinic or hotel for an extended period will also be regarded as abandonment and subject to punishment.
A complete implementation of the pet registration system will occur. Currently, in rural and island areas, there are no registration agencies, so registration of animals is not mandatory; however, this will be gradually eliminated, and all dogs will be required to register. To expand the pet registration method, a system will be established to utilize biometric information, such as nose patterns.
To address the issue of caring for stray cats, a social council involving local governments, residents, and animal welfare activists (cat moms) will be operated. The stray cat neutering (TNR) project will also be expanded.
The animal medical system will also be reformed. Given the lack of advanced hospitals where specialized treatment can be received apart from general veterinary hospitals, a higher-level veterinary hospital for pets will be introduced. A new 'veterinary specialist' system will also be established to allow for specialized treatments, such as canine ophthalmology and feline internal medicine. The government plans to announce detailed information through the 'First Comprehensive Plan for Animal Medical Development' in June of this year.
The government plans to enhance the enforcement of the license system for breeding dangerous dogs to prevent dog bite incidents and improve management methods. Management standards for pet production and sales businesses will be strengthened, and a license renewal system will be introduced to prevent poor operations.
Regulations in the pet-related industry will also be eased. Currently, the operation of pet sitters, animal hotels, and grooming services is restricted, but plans are in place to expand these services. The location requirements for pet funeral facilities will also be relaxed, and plans to introduce a tree burial service are under review.
The government has set a goal to reduce the number of violations of the Animal Protection Act to half the current level by 2029. Additionally, the number of lost and abandoned animals, which reached 113,000 in 2023, is planned to be reduced to 60,000 by 2029.
Park Jung-hoon, the Director of Animal Welfare and Environmental Policy, said, "We will promote policies that meet the expectations of the public by communicating with animal protection groups, relevant associations, and corporations."