Unending Dog Bite Incidents... What Are the Safety Measures? [Hello? Animal]

Over 2,000 Accidents Annually from 2016 to 2020, Totaling 11,152 Cases in 5 Years
Current Law Mandates Muzzle Wearing Only for Five Types of Dangerous Dogs
Animal Protection Act Amendment Allows General Dogs to Be Designated as Dangerous Dogs Through Temperament Evaluation if They Attack People or Animals
Experts Say "Education Needed for Mature Pet Culture... Expanding Muzzle Mandate Is Premature"

As the number of pet dog owners has recently increased, incidents of dog bites caused by pet dogs continue to occur, raising calls for practical safety measures. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Wooseok] As the population of dog owners has recently increased, dog bite incidents caused by companion dogs continue to occur, raising calls for practical safety measures. Experts suggest that above all, establishing a mature companion culture through owner education is necessary.

Recently, on KBS2's "Dogs Are Great (Gaehulryung)," dog trainer Kang Hyungwook, known as the "Dog President (Gae + President)," was shown being bitten during dog training. Trainer Kang wore protective gloves while training the dog, but as the dog kept biting, he sustained injuries to the wrist area severe enough to cause bleeding.

Trainer Kang also suffered a dog bite injury in January that exposed his bone. At that time, the wound was so severe that he underwent surgery. He said, "I've been bitten many times, but this was the first time I had surgery and the first time I had to wear a cast because of a dog bite," adding, "It really hurt."

Dog bite incidents continue to occur as the number of pet dog owners increases, reaching up to 15 million. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Dog bite incidents have continued without pause as the number of dog owners has increased to as many as 15 million recently. According to statistics submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Fire Agency to Yoon Jaegab, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, more than 2,000 dog bite incidents occurred annually from 2016 to 2020, totaling 11,152 cases over five years.

It was also found that many incidents led to emergency situations. Among dog bite victims, 97.7% (10,893 people) required emergency room treatment for 'potential emergency' or more severe conditions.

Under the Animal Protection Act, the mandatory wearing of muzzles to directly prevent dog bite incidents currently applies only to five breeds: Dosa dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Rottweilers, for dogs older than three months when outside.

However, dog bite incidents caused by breeds not included in these five are also frequent. On the 7th, a dog owned by singer Giant Pink bit another dog during a walk at Seoul Hangang Park, resulting in the death of the other dog. Giant Pink's dog is a Bull Terrier, which is not subject to the muzzle-wearing requirement.

Meanwhile, on April 26, the full revision of the Animal Protection Act was promulgated, and from April 27, 2024, a dangerous dog breeding permit system will be introduced. According to this, when breeding dangerous dogs, requirements such as animal registration, liability insurance subscription, and neutering must be fulfilled, and permission from the city or provincial governor must be obtained. Although only the existing five breeds are classified as dangerous dogs, the law added that ordinary dogs can also be designated as dangerous dogs through temperament evaluation if they pose harm to people or animals.

Experts emphasize that practical measures to prevent dog bite incidents can stem from a mature companion animal culture and stress the need for owner education. Lee Wonbok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Union, said, "There are practical Animal Protection Act enforcement rules and guidelines to prevent dangerous dog incidents. For example, in narrow places like hallways or stairs where you meet people, you should carry the dog or hold the leash close to the neck. Keep the leash within 1 meter. These guidelines should be utilized." He added, "I believe it is necessary to make companion animal education mandatory at the time of adoption or purchase, like in Europe, to reduce dog bite incidents."

He said that expanding the mandatory wearing of muzzles is premature. Lee stated, "Dogs breathe through their mouths and regulate their body temperature, so wearing a muzzle can cause stress. Also, if an owner loses their dog, these dogs cannot eat or drink anything because they are muzzled and may be left neglected." He expressed concern, saying, "Nearly 130,000 abandoned animals occur annually, and who will take responsibility for them? This is very worrying."

He added, "If issues like abandoned animals and the stress animals feel are resolved, there would be no reason to oppose mandatory muzzle-wearing, but since that is not the reality, I think this is a matter that requires comprehensive discussion."