animal rights Archives | Be Korea-savvy
World Cat Day Celebrated Globally with Focus on Cat Welfare and Adoption

World Cat Day Celebrated Globally with Focus on Cat Welfare and Adoption

SEOUL, Aug. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — August 8 marks World Cat Day, a global observance established by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2002 to improve awareness about cats and acknowledge their value alongside humans. The day promotes the importance of protecting and caring for cats, with an emphasis on adoption, particularly of [...]

From Peace Symbol to Pest: South Korea Reconsiders Its Relationship with Pigeons

From Peace Symbol to Pest: South Korea Reconsiders Its Relationship with Pigeons

SEOUL, May 19, 2025 — Once celebrated as symbols of peace, pigeons in South Korea have fallen from grace—so much so that they are now officially designated as harmful wildlife by the Ministry of Environment. As urban populations grow and interactions with pigeons become more frequent, public perception has shifted dramatically, with increasing reports of [...]

The New Year 2025 Unfolds: Egg-quity Index Urges Global Accountability in Cage-Free Egg Commitments by 2025 Deadline

The New Year 2025 Unfolds: Egg-quity Index Urges Global Accountability in Cage-Free Egg Commitments by 2025 Deadline

Egg-quity Index Calls Out Costa Coffee, Best Western, and Dunkin’s Cage-Free Shortcomings HONG KONG, Jan. 27, 2025 (Korea Bizwire) – As the New Year begins and 2025 marks the final countdown for many cage-free egg commitments, Mercy For Animals, in partnership with organisations all over the world, has released the 2024 Egg-quity Index. The Index categorises 29 companies based [...]

Animal Rights Group Criticizes Mass Euthanasia at Newly Consolidated Shelter in Changwon

Animal Rights Group Criticizes Mass Euthanasia at Newly Consolidated Shelter in Changwon

SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — An animal rights organization has condemned the city of Changwon for euthanizing numerous dogs shortly after consolidating three animal shelters into one, calling it an inhumane decision driven by space constraints. At a press conference held at Changwon City Hall on January 14, the Animal Empathy Alliance (unofficial translation) criticized [...]

Animal Rights Groups Call for Change in Korean Summer Tradition Amid Chicken Welfare Concerns

Animal Rights Groups Call for Change in Korean Summer Tradition Amid Chicken Welfare Concerns

SEOUL, Jul. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – On July 15, the first of South Korea’s three hottest days of summer, animal rights organizations voiced concerns over the treatment of chickens used in samgyetang, a popular chicken soup traditionally consumed on these days. The groups argue that the recent ban on dog meat consumption does not go far [...]

Supreme Court Calls for Updated Sentencing Guidelines on Animal Abuse Cases

Supreme Court Calls for Updated Sentencing Guidelines on Animal Abuse Cases

SEOUL, June 18 (Korea Bizwire) – A Supreme Court commission has decided to put together sentencing guidelines on animal abuse crimes that judges can refer to when delivering verdicts on such cases amid heightened social interest in animal welfare, officials said Tuesday. The Sentencing Commission reached the decision during a meeting Monday, officials said. The [...]

Caught in the Crosshairs: South Korea’s Water Deer Struggle for Survival Amid Modern Threats

Caught in the Crosshairs: South Korea’s Water Deer Struggle for Survival Amid Modern Threats

SEOUL, Feb. 24 (Korea Bizwire) –In a concerning development for wildlife conservation, the water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) in South Korea are embroiled in a struggle for survival. Classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the water deer shares its precarious status with renowned fauna such as lions, [...]

Recent Deaths at Bugyeong Zoo Spark Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Remaining Animals

Recent Deaths at Bugyeong Zoo Spark Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Remaining Animals

SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – The recent deaths of two animals at Bugyeong Zoo in the city of Gimhae in South Gyeongsang Province have raised concerns and prompted calls for urgent measures to safeguard the welfare of the remaining animals. This zoo became a focal point for animal welfare advocates after the emaciated condition [...]