Critics have pointed out that accidents could occur at any time if a dog tends to be aggressive. (image: Bodeum)
SEOUL, Jun. 10 (Korea Bizwire) — Amid frequent dog bite accidents, which have even emerged as a social issue, the government is pushing ahead with the implementation of a mandatory muzzle law for all dogs if they show signs of aggression, regardless of the breed.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported on Sunday that it will come up with assessment standards for dog aggression and ask research institution to conduct a study into the issue.
Under current regulations, five breeds of dogs including Tosa, American Pit Bull Terriers, and their hybrids are required to be muzzled as well as kept on a leash when they go out.
However, there have been no further actions or regulations other than a mandatory leash law for other species. Critics have pointed out that accidents could occur at any time if a dog tends to be aggressive.
An official from the ministry reported that the government is considering methods on how to identify aggressive dog from regular mild dogs, and file a complaint on aggressive dogs.
The ministry is trying to reinforce its duty by forcing owners to muzzle their pets, which is based on a foreign case study, or conduct obligatory education for owners.
Authorities will come up with measures to assess the aggressiveness of dogs and standards to divide the degree.
In addition to the proactive management aspects, the dog aggressiveness assessment also has a reactive response. The reactive response has to do with the standard of how to deal with a dog that bites people.
Currently, in the event of a dog bite, quarantine measures or necessary measures are required at the site of accident, but there are no regulations or standards on how to take action on the dog afterwards.
The ministry plans to conduct training or neutralization measures after an aggressiveness evaluation and review the system so that it can order euthanasia on a case by case basis.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
