Kim Dong-yeon: "I will create a happy Gyeonggi-do with companion animals"

Text and photo posted by Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, on his SNS on the 18th

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, announced that he will inspect animal abuse at auction sites and breeding farms throughout March and also launch a campaign for adopting abandoned animals.

On the 18th, Governor Kim stated on his social media (SNS), "Recently, about 1,200 dogs were found dead at a junkyard in Yangpyeong," adding, "This was a horrific case where dogs that did not sell at pet breeding farms were taken for money and starved to death."

He continued, "Gyeonggi Province will deploy 110 special investigators throughout March to conduct a thorough inspection of areas suspected of animal abuse, such as auction sites and breeding farms, and crack down on illegal activities related to pet facilities," promising, "We will do our best to prevent a second or third Yangpyeong junkyard incident from occurring."

Furthermore, he said, "In December last year, Gyeonggi Province reorganized the Livestock and Forestry Bureau into the 'Livestock Animal Welfare Bureau' and established the 'Animal Welfare Division' and 'Companion Animal Division' for the first time nationwide," adding, "We will provide useful information through the currently operating 'Gyeonggi Animal Welfare Platform' and promote campaigns such as the 'Abandoned Animal Adoption Campaign.'"

He also expressed anticipation, saying, "In April, the 'Companion Animal Theme Park,' a complex cultural space for pet adoption and education, will open in Yeoju," and added, "It will manage the protection and adoption of abandoned dogs and become a valuable cultural space for pet owners."

Governor Kim introduced, "As of 2020, the number of households with companion animals in South Korea has exceeded 6 million, with more than three out of ten households raising pets," and shared, "I also raised an abandoned dog found near the presidential election camp two years ago together with volunteers."

He emphasized, "It is necessary to have systems and policies that protect and respect animals not simply as 'objects' but as 'living beings,'" and stressed, "I will do my best to create a happy Gyeonggi Province where people live together with companion animals."