Incheon City announced on the 23rd that it will proactively respond to safety accidents caused by dangerous dogs by introducing a dangerous dog breeding permit system in accordance with the revised Animal Protection Act.
The dangerous dog breeding permit system is implemented to enhance public safety due to the increase in households raising pets and the number of pet dogs, as well as frequent biting incidents. Owners of dangerous dogs must obtain a breeding permit by October 26.
The dangerous dogs subject to the permit as defined by law include five breeds and their mixed breeds: Dosa dogs, Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Rottweilers. Dangerous dog owners must meet prerequisites such as animal registration, neutering surgery, and subscribing to liability insurance, then apply for a dangerous dog breeding permit from Incheon City and undergo a temperament evaluation.
The temperament evaluation assesses the aggressiveness of dangerous dogs in a virtual environment through 12 items, including "wearing a muzzle" and "passing by strangers."
A Rottweiler breed known as a representative dangerous dog [Photo provided by Korea Kennel Federation]
In addition to the dangerous dogs specified by law, pet dogs judged to pose a risk to public safety by harming people or animals can also be designated as dangerous dogs after a temperament evaluation. Furthermore, even if breeding is permitted, the permit can be revoked if the dog attacks and injures or kills a person or animal.
Currently, there are a total of 102 registered dangerous dogs in Incheon City. Temperament evaluations will be conducted not only on registered dangerous dogs but also on dogs involved in accidents and disputes. Starting next month, applications for dangerous dog breeding permits will be accepted, and more than 10 temperament evaluations will be conducted from September, with the plan to complete permits by October 26.
An official from Incheon City said, "To implement the dangerous dog breeding permit system, we have revised the 'Animal Protection and Management Ordinance' and formed a temperament evaluation committee consisting of five pet dog behavior experts, including veterinarians and trainers," adding, "We ask for the active cooperation of citizens so that the system can be stably established."
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