Permission System for Dangerous Dog Breeding to be Enforced from April 27
Mandatory Breeding Permission Within 6 Months
Up to 1 Year Imprisonment or Fine Up to 10 Million Won for Unauthorized Dangerous Dog Breeding
To raise dangerous dogs such as Pit Bull Terriers, owners must obtain a 'breeding permit' by October this year. This measure aims to minimize dog bite accidents. Owners who do not obtain the breeding permit face imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million KRW. Even after obtaining the dangerous dog breeding permit, if the dog attacks people or animals, the permit may be revoked.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 3rd that the dangerous dog breeding permit system, following the amendment of the Animal Protection Act, will be enforced starting from the 27th.
The amendment to the Animal Protection Act requires those who are currently raising dangerous dogs at the time of enforcement to obtain a dangerous dog breeding permit within six months after the enforcement date. In other words, the permit must be obtained by October 26.
As the number of households raising companion animals and the number of companion dogs have increased recently, injuries and fatalities caused by dogs have continued to occur, raising ongoing social demands for safety management measures, including countermeasures against dog bite accidents. The number of companion dogs increased from 4.39 million in 2012 to 5.44 million in 2022. In 2022, there were 2,216 dog bite incidents nationwide. Accordingly, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has prepared a 'Detailed Plan to Strengthen Companion Dog Safety Management' to enhance safety management of companion dogs.
The dangerous dogs defined in the enforcement regulations of the Animal Protection Act include five breeds: Dosa dogs, Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and their hybrids. Those who intend to raise these dangerous dogs must complete animal registration, subscribe to dangerous dog liability insurance, undergo neutering surgery, and pass a temperament evaluation before obtaining a breeding permit from the city or provincial governor. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, about 2,700 dangerous dogs were registered as of 2022. Additionally, dogs that are not among these five breeds but have attacked and injured people must be designated as dangerous dogs through a temperament evaluation and obtain a breeding permit.
The temperament evaluation comprehensively assesses the animal's health status, behavior patterns, and the owner's control ability to determine the animal's aggressiveness. The evaluation consists of a preliminary investigation and an assessment. During the preliminary investigation, the city or provincial governor or the temperament evaluation committee may request statements, submit materials, and conduct on-site investigations. The assessment is conducted by a temperament evaluation committee composed of experts such as veterinarians.
An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained, "Dangerous dogs judged to have aggression will be entrusted to training facilities for training, followed by another temperament evaluation before obtaining a breeding permit. Even if breeding is permitted, if the dog attacks and injures or kills people or animals, the permit may be revoked."
To manage the history of dangerous dog individuals, reporting of breed and breeding location through 'dangerous dog import declaration' will also be mandatory. Those who wish to engage in businesses handling dangerous dogs (production, import, sales) must meet facility and personnel standards for handling dangerous dogs and obtain permission from the city or provincial governor. Furthermore, compliance requirements for dangerous dog handlers and mandatory education for safety management and accident prevention have been established.
Dangerous dog owners must use safety devices such as muzzles and leashes and restrict the movement of dangerous dogs in indoor common areas such as elevators and hallways by holding the dog or the nape part of the leash. Entry is prohibited in facilities such as daycare centers, kindergartens, and elderly welfare facilities.
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