Dog owner who refused to "put on a leash"... Neighbor eventually injured

Photo by Busan Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A dog owner who had conflicts with neighbors over a dog leash issue was arrested by the police on charges of threatening and injuring residents with his dog.

According to Busanjin Police Station and Busanjin District on the 25th, dog owner Mr. A was arrested and is under investigation for injuring two residents by having his unleashed dog bite them in an alley in Beomcheon-dong, Busanjin District on the 24th.

At the time, Mr. A was reportedly intoxicated and brought his dog into a neighbor's house to threaten them. The two residents bitten by the dog were injured and received treatment at a hospital. The dog that bit the residents is a Shar Pei, a large breed.

Police investigations revealed that Mr. A had frequently clashed with residents in the past for letting his dog roam the village without a leash. One resident said, "Even a week ago, he let a black dog loose, and a resident reported it, so the police came."

When the police responded to the report of a dog roaming without a leash, they issued Mr. A a fine of 50,000 won under the Minor Offenses Act.

The police confirmed that on the day of the incident, the 24th, there was also a dispute with residents over the leash issue, and they are investigating whether Mr. A intentionally used his dog to injure the residents.

Generally, if a dangerous dog injures a person, the owner is fined up to 30 million won under Article 46 of the Animal Protection Act. However, if it is proven that the owner intentionally caused the dog to bite someone else, charges of assault may also be applied.

Meanwhile, a police official stated, "It is difficult to provide specific details as the investigation is ongoing," and added, "Further investigation is needed to determine the final charges that can be applied."