[Changes in the Second Half of the Year] No Riding Aquarium Dolphins! Exhaust Noise Tuning Below 5dB

Environment, Agriculture and Food, and Defense Sectors
Zoo and Aquarium Registration System to Permit System from December
Unauthorized Pet Sales Punishable by Up to 3 Years Imprisonment or 30 Million Won Fine
Special Meals for Soldiers Monthly... 'Cheonwon Breakfast' Increased 3.4 Times

Various animal welfare policies will be implemented in the second half of this year. Regulations on buying, selling, and exhibiting animals will be strengthened, and penalties will be increased. In the environmental sector, measures to enhance public convenience, such as restrictions on exhaust noise, will begin.

On the 30th, the government published a booklet titled "Changes Starting from the Second Half of 2023" containing these details.

From December 14, the operation of zoos and aquariums will be fully converted from a registration system to a permit system. This is to improve the risks of safety accidents and the poor treatment of exhibited animals. From that day, anyone wishing to operate a new zoo must meet requirements such as habitat conditions and obtain government approval. During the permit process, ecological experts will be appointed to evaluate the appropriateness.

Exhibiting live wild animals will be prohibited in unauthorized facilities. Existing exhibitors must report the species and number of animals they hold to local governments by December 13. In the case of aquariums, experiential activities such as "riding on animals" or "touching" that were conventionally provided have been banned. If aquarium animals are abused, offenders face up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million KRW.

Importers and sellers of companion animals, who have frequently been involved in illegal and abuse controversies, must also obtain permits to operate. Penalties for unauthorized business have been strengthened from a fine of up to 5 million KRW to imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine of up to 20 million KRW. If business continues after sanctions, local governments will close the business premises.

Military personnel receive 'special meals' monthly... '1,000 Won Breakfast' program increased 3.4 times

In the environmental sector, from next month, exhaust noise tuning for two-wheeled vehicles will only be allowed within 5 decibels. This is to prevent noise damage to the public caused by noise amplification tuning. Those who have tuned their vehicles must display the exhaust noise result value on their two-wheeled vehicles.

Recycling waste collection in apartment complexes will shift from private to public-centered. Local governments will select target items such as waste paper, scrap metal, and waste synthetic resin and establish a management system that contracts with private companies.

In September, the climate change impact assessment system will be expanded. Climate change impact assessments will be conducted not only for energy and urban development but also when constructing airports, roads, waste, and livestock manure treatment facilities. Additionally, during extreme heavy rain, the Korea Meteorological Administration will directly send disaster text messages to the affected areas. This will be piloted in the metropolitan area and expanded nationwide next year.

Regarding national defense, regional cooperation special meals for soldiers will be implemented. The government will provide menus preferred by soldiers once a month through buffet-style, catering, delivery, or invited cooking methods. The budget is 13,000 KRW per person, and the use of local businesses is the principle. From August, drug testing for military officers will be expanded to block the inflow of drug users into the military.

Additionally, the target population for the 1,000 Won Breakfast program will increase from 690,000 to 2.34 million, and local governments will be able to purchase vacant houses for public use.