Controversy Over 'Problem Dog Owner' Shaving Dog Fur in Apartment Park

Violation of the Minor Offenses Act and the Waste Management Act

A dog owner trimming their pet's fur in an apartment park has sparked controversy.

On the 12th, JTBC's 'Sageon Banjang' reported a video captured on the 10th showing a citizen tying up their dog and trimming its fur in a park within an apartment complex in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The informant said, "The trimmed dog fur quickly blew away in the wind. The remaining fur was not taken by the person but was placed into a nearby trash bag and then they disappeared." The trash bag was intended for collecting fallen leaves and similar debris in the park.

Photo by JTBC Sagoenbanjang

Lawyer Park Ji-hoon, who watched the video, pointed out, "This violates the Minor Offenses Act and the Waste Management Act," adding, "Although it is a matter for a fine, regardless of the law, it is a matter of common sense and consideration."

Article 3 (Littering, etc.) of the Minor Offenses Act stipulates that a person who carelessly discards dirty or unusable items anywhere may be fined up to 100,000 KRW or detained. According to Article 8 (Prohibition of Waste Dumping, etc.) of the Waste Management Act, which prohibits dumping household waste without following the methods designated by the managers of facilities such as parks and roads, a fine of up to 1,000,000 KRW may be imposed.