The Seoul city government on Tuesday urged the owners of ferocious dogs to get permission from authorities to raise them by the end of this month. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — The Seoul city government on Tuesday urged the owners of ferocious dogs to get permission from authorities to raise them by the end of this month, warning of legal action if they fail to comply, officials said.
Under the revised Animal Protection Act, those who raise fierce dogs must get permission from mayors or provincial governors by Oct. 26, and permission will be granted if the dogs pass a test administered by a group of experts assessing their aggression level, officials said.
The types of dogs that require permission are the Tosa, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier and rottweiler, as well as their mixed breeds.
A total of 117 people are currently raising 179 fierce dogs in Seoul, and 34 of them have already applied for permission to raise 36 dogs, while 45 people have not reported their dogs or have moved to other provinces with 72 dogs, officials said.
The city plans to send out registered mail to owners who fail to apply for permission by the set date and inspect those suspected of deliberately failing to comply, taking legal action against them if they are spotted raising the dogs without notice.
By law, people who raise fierce dogs without permission are punishable by up to one year in prison or 10 million won (US$7,360) in fines.
(Yonhap)
