Pet owners attend the 2021 K-Pet Fair in Seoul on March 12, 2021. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 31 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea on Wednesday unveiled unveiled a series of measures aimed at curtailing the indiscriminate breeding and selling of pet animals.
The government is set to implement a parent dog registration system for breeding businesses, with the intention of bolstering the management of dogs raised for breeding purposes, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Until now, registration has been obligatory for dogs raised in households, semi-residential areas, and other specified locations. The inclusion of animal breeding businesses will be a new addition to this list.
Considering the registration expenses and compliance timelines for each breeding establishment, the ministry aims to finalize the registration of parent dogs by 2026.
Moreover, puppies born at these breeding businesses will receive unique serial numbers, each linked to their respective mother’s registration number.
The ministry emphasizes that this approach will facilitate comprehensive historical tracking for pet animals, covering their journey from birth and sale to nurturing, and even eventual deregistration after passing away.
The ministry’s strategy involves conducting studies in the latter half of the current year, with the objective of establishing a comprehensive history management system by 2025.
Meanwhile, in order to combat animal abuse at pet shops, the ministry plans to broaden the range of businesses required to install CCTV cameras.
This expansion will encompass all eight categories, including pet animal breeding, import, sales, grooming, exhibition, consigned management, transportation, and funeral services.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
