"I Have Never Used Psychotropic Drugs Themselves"
Recently Also Reported for Violating the Narcotics Control Act
A veterinarian involved in the euthanasia of dog trainer Kang Hyeong-wook, CEO of Bodum Company’s pet dog 'Leo', stated that "neither propofol nor any psychotropic drugs were ever used."
On the 2nd, News 1 reported an interview with veterinarian A. A said, "In my long clinical experience, I have never performed anesthesia or euthanasia using propofol."
Previously, trainer Kang Hyeong-wook revealed that he euthanized his dog Leo not at an animal hospital but at his own company, sparking controversy over on-site euthanasia. In response, on the 30th of last month, Kim Doo-hyun, director of Dongpyeon Animal Hospital, held a press conference in front of the Seoul Seocho Police Station, announcing that veterinarian A, who euthanized Kang’s dog 'Leo' outside an animal hospital, would be reported for violating the Narcotics Control Act.
Dog trainer Kang Hyung-wook is addressing the recent controversy in a video posted on his YouTube channel. [Image source=YouTube channel 'BodeumTV' capture]
A explained, "Leo had no bedsores and was relatively well cared for, but was very thin due to a long illness," adding, "After several deep discussions with the owner, we induced a deep sleep using a combination of Alfaxalone and Xylazine in the space where the dog lived, rather than a cold hospital."
He continued, "During Leo’s prolonged illness, even anesthesia induction was barely maintaining the heartbeat on the portable monitor," and "Afterwards, the specialized euthanasia drug T61 allowed Leo’s long suffering to end peacefully without chain-stroke (agonal breathing)," describing the situation at the time.
Director Kim Doohyun of Dongpyeon Animal Hospital held a press conference on the 30th of last month in front of Seocho Police Station in Seocho-gu, Seoul, before submitting a complaint accusing the veterinarian who euthanized Kang Hyungwook, CEO of Bodeum Company’s pet dog Leo, outside the animal hospital of violating the Narcotics Control Act. [Photo by Yonhap News]
A emphasized that euthanasia is a noble duty of veterinarians. He said, "There are still many negative perceptions about euthanasia in our country," and "Sometimes, watching a pet endure a long and painful death can be more cruel than euthanasia." Regarding the reason for euthanizing Leo, he said, "Trainer Kang wanted the director to take care of Leo’s last moments since he was the first to care for the young dog," and added, "I have known Kang for a long time and treated his pets, but I have never used his reputation for self-promotion."
He added, "Since I have been reported, I will undergo investigation, but I only regret the meaningless emotional exhaustion," and "I hope everyone can calm their anger and regain peace."
Animal treatment is regulated by the Korean Veterinary Medical Association’s guidelines to be conducted at animal hospitals. The association established these guidelines citing risks such as inadequate emergency response during home visits, increased risk of medical accidents, and public hygiene issues like medical waste disposal. However, these are only recommendations; on-site treatment or removal of medicines outside animal hospitals is not illegal.
Regarding narcotics used for euthanasia, their removal and use must be reported to the Narcotics Integrated Management System (NIMS). Failure to report or delayed reporting of narcotics use can result in up to 15 days of business suspension upon first detection. If narcotics administration records are not entered in the medical records, a business suspension of up to 6 months can be imposed from the first detection.
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