Brutal methods of dog slaughter have not disappeared.
The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Unit announced on the early morning of the 1st that they had uncovered a site in Jeokseong-myeon, Paju-si, where dogs were cruelly slaughtered using electric metal skewers, and have begun an investigation.
This was in response to a report from a resident suspecting dog slaughter.
The special judicial police unit conducted a stakeout investigation for about two weeks before uncovering the site.
The site discovered is believed to be used solely for slaughtering. Nine dog carcasses and slaughtering tools were found at the scene.
The special judicial police are investigating on suspicion of violating the Animal Protection Act.
The current 'Animal Protection Act' stipulates that acts causing the death of animals by cruel methods are punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.
Gyeonggi Province has uncovered three illegal slaughter sites so far, following Governor Kim Dong-yeon's directive on March 21 to crack down on illegal acts to prevent recurrence of similar animal abuse incidents like the 'Yangpyeong dog carcass case.'
On March 26, a site was uncovered at a dog breeding farm in Gwangju-si with eight dog carcasses and a grave estimated to contain bones of dozens of animals, and on April 22, a site with 14 dog carcasses was found at a dog breeding farm in Paju-si.
Hong Eun-gi, head of the special judicial police unit, said, "After the first site investigation by the special judicial police was reported in the media, similar reports have been received through the unit’s website and phone lines, prompting additional site investigations. Since animal abuse acts are carried out secretly, reporting is crucial, and sending concrete evidence such as photos or videos of the scene when reporting greatly helps the investigation."
Meanwhile, Governor Kim Dong-yeon emphasized the importance of animal welfare and reorganized the Livestock and Forestry Bureau into the 'Livestock Animal Welfare Bureau' last December, establishing the nation's first 'Animal Welfare Division' and 'Companion Animal Division.'
The special judicial police unit also established an 'Animal Abuse Prevention Team' to firmly address illegal acts of animal abuse.
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