"Save My Pet Dog" - 50-Year-Old Given Probation After Wielding Weapon in Rage Over Dog's Death During Surgery

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] A man in his 50s who wielded a weapon against a veterinarian and the hospital director after his pet dog died during surgery at an animal hospital was sentenced to probation.

On the 18th, Judge Lee Jae-kyung of the Criminal Division 10 at the Seoul Southern District Court announced that Kim Mo (53), who was indicted on charges of special injury, was sentenced to 1 year and 2 months in prison with 2 years of probation.

Kim was charged with stabbing the hospital director’s arm with surgical scissors on the operating table and verbally abusing staff while shouting, "Bring my pet dog back to life," after his pet dog died during a neutering surgery at an animal hospital in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, on July 27.

After causing a disturbance and leaving the hospital, Kim returned about 40 minutes later intoxicated, poured soju on the face of a veterinarian standing at the reception desk, and struck the veterinarian’s head and face with a soju bottle, according to the investigation.

The victims sustained injuries such as torn arms and head wounds from Kim’s assault and received hospital treatment.

The court explained the sentencing by stating, "Considering the danger of the crime and the extent of the victims’ injuries, the guilt is not light," but also noted, "It appears the crime was committed impulsively due to the sudden death of the pet dog, and the fact that an agreement was reached with the victims was taken into account."