Gyeonggi-do Supports Neutering Surgeries for Outdoor Farm Dogs... 2,200 Dogs Targeted This Year

Purpose of Preventing Uncontrolled Population Growth and Stray Dog Occurrence

Reference photo (Yangju City, Madanggae Neutering Project Business Agreement) [Yangju City]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-chul] Gyeonggi Province is promoting a project this year to support neutering surgeries for outdoor farm dogs in rural areas within the province to prevent the occurrence of stray dogs.

According to the province on the 28th, the support target is a total of 2,200 mixed-breed dogs aged 5 months or older raised outdoors in rural areas within the province.

In particular, unlike the existing 'Yard Dog Neutering Surgery Support Project,' which limited the target to eup and myeon areas, this year the scope is expanded to regions designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, considering agriculture, agriculture-related industries, and living conditions.

Accordingly, outdoor farm dogs in green areas, production preservation management areas, and natural environment conservation areas can also receive support for neutering surgeries.

The province plans to invest a total project cost of 880 million won, including 176 million won in national funds and 106 million won in provincial funds for this project.

Owners of outdoor farm dogs can apply at the administrative welfare centers under the jurisdiction of each city and county, and basic livelihood security recipients, lower-income groups, and seniors aged 65 or older can receive priority support.

If selected as a beneficiary, they can receive surgery support up to a maximum of 400,000 won per dog after consultation and examination with a veterinarian at a designated animal hospital.

The province expects that this project will suppress the increase in the number of outdoor farm dogs in rural areas, which had indiscriminately increased due to lack of awareness of animal protection and welfare and inadequate management, and reduce social costs related to the rescue and protection of stray dogs.

Park Kyung-ae, head of the Animal Protection Division, said, "Most stray dogs in rural areas are offspring of outdoor farm dogs that are unmanaged and wandering," and added, "We will continue to implement customized policies considering regional characteristics to effectively reduce stray dogs."