1,424 Seoul Dog Patrol teams have begun their activities to safeguard the city’s communities. (Image courtesy of Seoul City)
SEOUL, Apr. 22 (Korea Bizwire) – The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on April 19 that 1,424 Seoul Dog Patrol teams have begun their activities to safeguard the city’s communities.
Starting with just 64 teams in 2022, the dog patrol program saw a surge in participation from citizens, with 1,011 teams across Seoul conducting a total of 48,431 patrol activities last year. They reported 331 cases to the emergency 112 hotline and 2,263 cases to the 120 non-emergency number, effectively identifying potential criminal activities and safety hazards.
This year, the patrol force comprises 957 returning teams and 467 newly recruited teams, totaling 1,424 teams. The patrols involve dog owners walking their companion dogs while surveying crime-prone areas such as unmanned stores and hiking trails. They also assist in locating elderly individuals who are lost and inspecting crime prevention facilities, complementing the city’s efforts to improve neighborhood safety.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government hosted the 2024 Seoul Dog Patrol Launch Ceremony on April 20 at 11 a.m. at the Peace Plaza in World Cup Park, Sangam-dong. Prior to the event, organizers were expecting to attract over 1,200 dogs and 1,700 owners.
The ceremony commenced with the presentation of appointment certificates and the attachment of patrol patches. It also featured various programs, including a “mock patrol” reenacting frequently reported incidents during patrols and a “patrol run” where participants cleared obstacles while running.
The city plans to transition to a continuous recruitment system for the dog patrol program, aiming to attract even more dog owners to participate. The target is to have 2,000 teams enrolled by the end of the year. Additionally, joint patrols on specific themes, such as inspecting crime prevention facilities, promoting safe nighttime walks for women, and advocating responsible pet ownership, will be organized on the last Wednesday of each month.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, “With the domestic companion animal population reaching 15 million, the Seoul Dog Patrol program offers a new approach to preventing crime and potential dangers through leisurely walks.” He added, “I applaud the kind actions of the dog patrol teams, who pay closer attention to unseen areas and neighbors often overlooked. We will strive to create a safer and more secure Seoul.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
