1014 Animal Protection Law Violators Arrested in 2020... Highest Ever
Controversy Over White Dog Tied Up with Rubber Bands and Abandoned
Dog Owner Riding Motorcycle with Dog Hanging
Recently, incidents of cruel animal abuse have occurred repeatedly, becoming a social issue. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Pixabay.
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Animals are living beings too. Please stop the abuse."
Recently, there have been consecutive cases of cruel abuse toward animals that cannot speak. Some perpetrators take out their frustrations on animals without any particular reason, committing harsh acts that have further enraged the public.
Earlier in May, a man in his 60s caused controversy by shooting a stranger's pet dog with a slingshot for no reason, and on the 7th, a dog owner in their 30s abused an 8-month-old pet dog, breaking its hind leg because it did not obey.
Although cases of cruel animal abuse are increasing, it appears that perpetrators are rarely caught by the police or actually punished. Experts emphasize the need to strengthen penalties related to animal abuse.
Animal abuse cases targeting dogs, cats, and others are not new, but their frequency has recently increased.
According to the "Status of Violations of the Animal Protection Act over the Past 11 Years" submitted by the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee member Lee Eunju of the Justice Party from the National Police Agency, there were a total of 992 violations of the Animal Protection Act last year, with 1,014 people arrested.
The number of offenders arrested for violating the Animal Protection Act steadily increased from 78 in 2010, surpassing 1,000 for the first time last year. This is the highest number ever recorded.
As animal abuse cases increase, the types of abuse are also becoming more brutal. Recently, in Jinan, Jeonbuk, a stray dog named "Baekgu" was found with its mouth tightly bound by a thick industrial rubber band, sparking controversy. Baekgu was discovered by a passerby around 12:20 p.m. on the 12th.
At the time of discovery, Baekgu's mouth was tightly bound with a rubber band, and due to the prolonged state, the inside of its mouth had become necrotic. Baekgu also appeared severely malnourished to the point that its pelvic bones were visible, and its front paws were reportedly covered in blood.
A photo showing a dog tied to a two-wheeled vehicle while it is being driven has been released, sparking outrage among netizens. Photo by Care Instagram screen capture.
Meanwhile, there are also many who abuse their own pets. On the 8th, near Chungjang-ro in Gwangju, a driver was caught driving a motorcycle with a dog tied to it, causing controversy.
In photos released by the animal rights nonprofit organization "CARE," the motorcycle driver was seen hanging the dog like a doll, and another dog was confined in the cargo compartment behind. Notably, a dog-shaped doll was placed on top of the cargo compartment.
Kim, a 28-year-old office worker who owns a pet dog, expressed anger over the ongoing animal abuse cases. Kim said, "I don't understand why powerless and voiceless animals have to be targets of frustration," adding, "There is no guarantee that perpetrators of animal abuse will only harm animals. Criminals often commit crimes against animals before committing crimes against people."
He continued, "I hope the punishments are strengthened. Animal abuse eventually leads to crimes against humans as well."
The problem is that in animal abuse cases, evidence collection is difficult and legal provisions are vague, making investigations challenging. Since animals cannot speak, objective and accurate evidence is required to prove the crime, which is not easy to obtain.
Given this situation, it is rare for perpetrators to receive prison sentences. Among the 1,014 people caught by the police last year, about 55.7% were sent to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment. Only one suspect was detained.
There are also opinions that the level of punishment for animal abuse does not meet public sentiment.
Following the amendment of the Animal Protection Act in February, penalties for abuse causing death to animals were strengthened from "up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 20 million KRW" to "up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million KRW," but it is still criticized as a slap on the wrist.
Experts urge strict punishment for animal abuse crimes. Lee Wonbok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Association, pointed out, "Although the law stipulates imprisonment or fines for cruelly killing or injuring animals, only 0.1% of cases actually result in imprisonment. In other words, out of 1,000 animal abuse cases, only one leads to detention and indictment."
He added, "Measures should be established to permanently prohibit people with a history of animal abuse from owning animals," emphasizing, "A firmer response to animal abuse crimes is necessary."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
