"Even Bricks on the Lid to Prevent Escape"…Puppy Abandoned in Food Waste Bin

"Abandoned at the Dawn Recycling Center"
Animal Abandonment Subject to Criminal Punishment

A dog that had been abandoned in a food waste bin at an apartment in Naju, Jeollanam-do, was reportedly rescued. / Photo by Internet Community Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] An incident in which a puppy abandoned in a food waste bin was safely rescued has sparked outrage among netizens. It was reported that the trash bin where the puppy was abandoned even had bricks placed on top to prevent it from being opened from the inside.

Recently, a post titled "How can I find the person who abandoned a puppy in a food waste bin?" was uploaded on an online community.

The author, Mr. A, who lives in Naju, Jeollanam-do, explained the situation, saying, "When I went to the recycling center early in the morning, I found a puppy abandoned inside the food waste bin," and added, "They even placed bricks on the bin lid to prevent the puppy from getting out."

Mr. A, who rescued the puppy, said, "The puppy seems familiar with apartment life; whenever it hears the sound of the communal entrance door password being entered, it runs over from afar and stands in front of the door," and added, "I informed the security guard, and they said they would contact the city hall and take the puppy."

He continued, "I am unable to raise the puppy myself, so I could not bring it home, but it is very heartbreaking."

Mr. A also posted a photo of the rescued puppy. In the photo, a small-sized puppy is standing on its hind legs in front of the trash bin, looking upwards.

Netizens who read the story criticized the owner who abandoned the puppy. They expressed their anger with comments such as, "Humans are worse than animals," "What on earth was the intention behind pressing the entrance with bricks?" "Check the CCTV," and "The weather is getting colder; the puppy almost froze to death like that."

Meanwhile, abandoning animals is subject to criminal punishment. According to the revised Animal Protection Act in February, owners who abandon animals may be fined up to 3 million won.