Those who receive basic living security in Seoul and those who are earn 60 percent of the median income or less are eligible for the benefit and support regarding pet dogs and cats provided by the Seoul city government. (image: Raffaele Esposito/flickr)
SEOUL, May 15 (Korea Bizwire) — The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) reported on Tuesday that it will push for “Animal Medical Service” to support animal registration and neutering operations on pets of the underprivileged in order to prevent animal abandonment.
A Seoul city official reported that the pet neutralization surgery prevents unwanted breeding and prevents various reproductive diseases, while also reducing the burden on the underprivileged.
Those who receive basic living security in Seoul and those who are earn 60 percent of the median income or less are eligible for the benefit and support regarding pet dogs and cats provided by the Seoul city government.
The city will provide free animal registration and neutralization surgery after a medical check-up. It will test 200 pets on a first-come-first-served basis in June of this year and provide up services for up to 1,000 dogs in phases.
In the future, the city plans to expand the service to include cats in vulnerable areas such as redevelopment and reconstruction areas.
“As the number of pets belonging to single-person households, including elderly and disabled people, is increasing, the meaning in having a pet companion has increased and expanded due to their family-like presence,” Na Baek-joo, head of the SMG’s civil health bureau, explained the purpose of the new support.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
