The number of lost or abandoned pets has been higher every month of this year over the average figures of the corresponding months of the past three years. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — With the summer vacation season at its peak, the number of pets lost or abandoned has hit record highs.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on Sunday that the number of pets lost or abandoned in July totaled 13,700, the highest monthly figure so far this year.
The July figure is up 830 from a month ago and about 1,000 higher than the average July numbers (12,732) over the past three years.
The number of pets lost or abandoned last month was compiled by calculating the number of cats, dogs and other animals listed on the Animal Protection Management System as of July 31.
The statistics of the past three years show a pattern where the number of pets lost or abandoned peaks in July when the summer vacation season begins after steadily increasing from February.
The number of lost or abandoned pets has been higher every month of this year over the average figures of the corresponding months of the past three years.
The ministry, in collaboration with municipal governments and animal protection groups, decided to launch a campaign to prevent the abandonment of pets as well as to crack down the violation of animal protection laws.
“Losing or abandoning pets brings huge pain to the pets and can be equated to physical abuse,” the ministry said.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
