[On-site Video] "We Are Not Objects!" Bringing Animals One Step Closer to Humans

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "It has a meaning beyond a simple legal amendment."

A revision to the Civil Act is being promoted to grant animals a separate legal status for the first time. On the 19th, the Ministry of Justice announced a legislative proposal to newly establish Article 98-2 of the Civil Act, which specifies the legal status of animals as "Animals are not objects."

If animals gain a legal status other than being "objects," civil and criminal liabilities will increase when others kill or injure companion animals.

Experts emphasize that this has a significance beyond a simple legal amendment. Kim Young-hwan, CEO of the animal rights organization "CARE," said, "This Civil Act amendment has a greater meaning in that the proposition 'animals are not objects (things)' itself reaches people's hearts, rather than its direct legal effect."

He continued, "Legally, it ultimately means recognizing the current legal system (such as the Animal Protection Act), and if people come to recognize that 'animals are not objects,' efforts will be made to change many practices or laws that contradict our current awareness."

He also emphasized, "Many laws related to companion animals, such as abuse or custody issues in divorce, can be amended. Due to the climate crisis, wild animals are facing serious threats, and farm and laboratory animals are also suffering greatly. Since they are not objects, efforts are needed to change current laws that constrain their lives."

Kim Hyun-ji, Policy Director of the animal rights group "KARA," explained, "This legal amendment is the first domestic case looking at the passage of animals' legal status," adding, "It means that a social turning point regarding the legal status of animals is finally beginning in Korea."

Kim projected, "In civil and criminal law, punishments for animal abuse have been lenient, but since the amendment distinguishes animals as sentient beings separate from objects, it is expected that the amendment will exert substantial influence."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice stated that it is discussing establishing a legal basis to claim compensation from perpetrators who kill or injure companion animals. It is also discussing amendments to the Civil Act to exclude companion animals from compulsory execution.