[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The Liberty Korea Party announced a 'Pet Policy' targeting 14 million pet owners on the 21st ahead of the April 15 general election.
The Liberty Korea Party's '2020 Hope Pledge Development Team with the People' unveiled a 'Pet Care Pledge' at the pet-friendly caf? 'Mapo Dabang' in Mapo-gu, Seoul, focusing on standardizing pet medical fees and expanding tax benefits. Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn was also present at the event.
The party emphasized shifting policies from a focus on abandoned animals to pet and pet owner-centered policies.
First, to reduce the burden of pet medical fees, they pledged to amend the Veterinarian Act to standardize medical service items. They also promised to exempt value-added tax on pet medical expenses except for cosmetic purposes and to provide income tax deductions (15% of medical fees) at year-end tax settlements, thereby lowering household burdens related to pet medical expenses.
They announced plans to expand animal protection centers and pet sitter functions prioritizing adopters of abandoned dogs and low-income groups. To support basic pet healthcare and improve the professionalism and efficiency of administrative tasks, they pledged to establish pet management organizations under central and local governments. They also plan to expand the animal police system by increasing the number and authority of animal protection monitors and special judicial police officers for animal protection.
The party also announced pledges to encourage the adoption of abandoned dogs. The Liberty Korea Party stated, "When adopting an abandoned dog, the local government-supported vaccination medical fee will be increased from 100,000 won to 200,000 won and supported by government funds," and "the protection period for abandoned dogs will be extended to at least 30 days."
They also pledged to review regulations related to the Livestock Act to clarify the designation and scope of companion dogs and to specify and actively expand support projects for the closure of dog breeding farms. The Liberty Korea Party emphasized, "We will also promote the introduction of a public insurance system for pets through fund establishment."
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