Veterinarian Who Performed 'On-Site Euthanasia' on Kang Hyung-wook's Pet... Current Veterinarian Files Complaint

"Leo, Euthanasia in Office" Explanation Met with "Possession Violating Narcotics Control Act" Accusation

A current veterinarian has filed a complaint against the veterinarian who performed the 'on-site euthanasia' of the pet dog belonging to Kang Hyung-wook, CEO of Bodeum Company and a well-known dog trainer.

Dog trainer Kang Hyung-wook, CEO of Bodeum Company (right), and his wife Susan Elder, director of Bodeum Company, are conducting a clarification broadcast. [Image source=YouTube capture]

"Carrying dangerous drugs poses a threat to public health" - Complaint filed

On the 30th, Yonhap News reported that Kim Doo-hyun, director of Dongpyeon Animal Hospital, held a press conference in front of the Seocho Police Station in Seoul and announced that he would file a complaint against the veterinarian who euthanized Kang’s pet dog 'Leo' outside the animal hospital on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

Before filing the complaint against the veterinarian who performed the on-site euthanasia, Director Kim reenacted the presumed drug administration. To emphasize the risks of narcotics being taken out, he prepared an amount of milk equivalent to what is needed for euthanasia. Filling a syringe with milk, he said, "Propofol, which can cause the death of a 30-40kg German Shepherd, can cause the death of three adults," and pointed out, "The mere fact that dangerous drugs were carried around poses a threat to public health." He added, "The core issue in this case is that someone, presumed to be a veterinarian, illegally took narcotics out of the animal hospital. It is unreasonable that drugs (narcotics or psychotropic medicines) left the animal hospital, and an investigation should determine whether prior approval was obtained from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety."

Veterinarian Kim Doohyun submitting a complaint against the veterinarian who performed 'on-site euthanasia' on Kang Hyungwook's pet dog Leo.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding narcotics used for euthanasia, their removal and use must normally be reported to the Narcotics Integrated Management System (NIMS). Therefore, it appears that there is a claim that it should be checked whether the veterinarian followed this procedure. The first detection of unreported or delayed reporting of narcotics use can result in a suspension of work for up to 15 days. If narcotics administration records are not entered in the medical records, a suspension of work for six months may be imposed from the first detection.

Korean Veterinary Medical Association issues guideline: 'Animal treatment should be conducted within animal hospitals'

Earlier, on the 24th, Kang revealed on his YouTube channel that he was addressing various allegations against him, including workplace harassment and neglect of his pet dog 'Leo,' stating, "Leo, who was old and untreatable, was euthanized at the company." This sparked controversy over 'on-site euthanasia,' as animal treatment is, in principle, supposed to be conducted within animal hospitals according to the Korean Veterinary Medical Association’s guidelines. The association has these guidelines because home visits may lead to inadequate emergency response, increasing the risk of medical accidents, and there are public hygiene concerns such as medical waste disposal.

Former Bodeum Company employees preparing complaints for violations of the Information and Communications Network Act

Meanwhile, former employees of Bodeum Company are preparing to file complaints on charges including violations of the Information and Communications Network Act related to CCTV surveillance and unauthorized access to internal messengers. The complaint is expected to be submitted to investigative authorities as early as next week. Employee A said, "Since it was admitted that the messenger was viewed without permission before obtaining consent on July 23, 2018, we are seeking legal advice on whether there is a law that can punish this."