Animal Rights Group Criticizes Mass Euthanasia at Newly Consolidated Shelter in Changwon | Be Korea-savvy

Animal Rights Group Criticizes Mass Euthanasia at Newly Consolidated Shelter in Changwon


The Animal Empathy Alliance (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

The Animal Empathy Alliance (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — An animal rights organization has condemned the city of Changwon for euthanizing numerous dogs shortly after consolidating three animal shelters into one, calling it an inhumane decision driven by space constraints.

At a press conference held at Changwon City Hall on January 14, the Animal Empathy Alliance (unofficial translation) criticized the city’s actions. “The current integrated animal protection center has space limitations that prevent it from safely housing all abandoned animals,” the group stated.

“Volunteers had previously expressed concerns about excessive euthanasia due to space constraints during last year’s shelter consolidation, but the city repeatedly assured that no animals would be euthanized due to space limitations.” 

The group reported that 89 animals were euthanized indiscriminately at the integrated center last month. “The forced consolidation, which ignored persistent concerns about capacity and protection capabilities raised by civil society, seriously threatens animal welfare and right to life,” they added. 

The new consolidated facility can accommodate 400-500 abandoned dogs, whereas the previous three shelters collectively housed around 700 animals. While the city initially believed it could accommodate all animals from the three shelters in one location, it later decided to reduce capacity after considering animal welfare factors.

The city defended its actions, saying the euthanasia procedures were “part of originally planned procedures that coincidentally occurred after the consolidation.”

Officials explained that “humane euthanasia is a legally sanctioned practice ” conducted in accordance with Animal Protection Act Article 46 and animal protection center operational guidelines, noting that other local governments also perform euthanasia without separate notices after one or two months of protection.

The animal rights group has called for facility improvements to ensure safe protection facilities that can accommodate all 700 animals from the former shelters. However, the city stated it has no current plans to expand the integrated center, and is instead focusing on minimizing euthanasia by reducing intake numbers and promoting adoption.

Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com) 

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