The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said that critics have been pushing the government to crack down on animal hoarders. (Image:Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Sept. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — Going forward, animal hoarders who take on more animals than they can properly care for will be punished for animal abuse.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said yesterday that the newly revised animal law outlining the measure will come into effect starting today.
The ministry said that critics have been pushing the government to crack down on animal hoarders.
“The newly revised law will ensure that those who shirk their duties as pet owners by failing to provide a big enough of dwelling space for pets will be fined 20 million won or less, or face imprisonment of up to two years.
The law defines “pets” as six specific animal species including dogs, cats, rabbits, parrots, guinea pigs and hamsters.
The two duties that pet owners must take on, as outlined by the new law, are the provision of adequate space for pets to be raised in, and the duty to manage the hygiene and health of their pets.
More specifically, the living quarters of pets must be in a secure location and the flooring must not be made of a material that could allow pets to get stuck.
The space allotted for raising the animals must be at least 2.5 times by 2 times the length and width of the animal’s body measurements.
This criterion is per animal, and therefore, in the case that two or more animals are being raised, the area for each animal must follow these guidelines.
When a leash is used for pets, the leash must not prevent the animal from moving around within its living space.
If animals are being raised outdoors, a rest area where pets can avoid the heat, cold, snow, rain and direct sunlight must be provided.
When pets become ill or injured, pet owners are required to quickly seek the advice of veterinary professionals.
When two or more animals are raised within the same space, sick or dead animals must be immediately isolated from the others.
Pet owners must also ensure that their animals are being fed a nutritious diet. Proper food and clean water must be provided for pets.
Animal waste and rubbish must also be removed so that the area is kept tidy, as highlighted by the new law.
H. S. Seo (hsseo@koreabizwire.com)
