Twenty-two military dogs that used to play an active role in army operations have started new lives as pets after their retirement. (Image : Yonhap)
CHUNCHEON, Nov.19 (Korea Bizwire) – Twenty-two military dogs that used to play an active role in army operations have started new lives as pets after their retirement.
An event to unite retired military dogs with new families was held at the First Republic of Korea Army (FROKA) base in Chuncheon on November 18.
This is the third time retired military dogs have been parceled out since April. The military selected 22 applicants among 40, and chose to retire three types of dogs, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and British Retrievers.
Twenty-two military dogs that used to play an active role in army operations have started new lives as pets after their retirement. (Image : Yonhap)
Since the age, gender, looks, character, pedigree and mission capability are all different among dogs, the dogs were assigned to their new families through a lottery. Through the process, 22 military dogs were united with new families.
The families who adopted the military dogs received special education on how to take care of them from the instructor of the military dog training center.
On this day, veterinary officer Oh In-yong (30) adopted ‘Yeneung’ (4), a military dog that he had treated, drawing the attention of those who were present. (Image : Yonhap)
The dogs said their goodbyes to the soldiers, and parted ways after being tagged with a small microchip.
Until a few years ago, retired dogs were donated for medical experiments or put down. With the revision of Korea’s Animal Protection Act in January 2013, animal experiments on military dogs were banned, and retired dogs were managed together with active military dogs.
However, as the act on the Management of Military Supplies was revised, it was decided that retired dogs should be given up for adoption for free, after transfer review procedures.
By Francine Jung (Francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
