More than 70 percent of South Koreans were aware of the country’s Animal Protection Act. (Image courtesy of Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — More than 70 percent of South Koreans were aware of the country’s Animal Protection Act, a poll showed Tuesday, as animal welfare has gained growing attention.
The figure marks a significant rise from just 57.1 percent tallied in a survey carried out in 2020, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The latest survey was carried out on 5,000 people aged from 20 to 64 in November 2023, including 1,410 pet owners.
The poll showed that 67.4 percent of pet owners were knowledgeable about key guidelines, including ensuring pet leashes are 2 meters or shorter, attaching name tags to pets and picking up their feces.
More than 90 percent of the respondents also replied that pet owners must take mandatory education programs.
Among respondents intending to welcome a new pet within one year, 84.4 percent expressed their willingness to consider adopting from shelters.
An average owner spent 130,000 won (US$98) on their pets monthly last year, including medical expenditures of 43,800 won. The cost for dogs came to 166,000 won, hovering above the 113,000 won posted by cats.
The latest findings came amid the growing awareness of animal rights in the country.
Last week, the National Assembly passed a special bill banning dog meat consumption, paving the way for ending the practice that has fallen out of favor in recent decades.
The enforcement of the law is slated to begin in 2027, after a three-year grace period, and violators could face a maximum prison sentence of two years or a fine of up to 30 million won.
(Yonhap)
