Kim Taejin, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, Proposes Coexistence Measures for Stray Cats in Redevelopment Areas

Proposal of a Systematic Management Manual
for Stray Animals

Kim Taejin, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, announced on the 11th that he proposed a 'policy for the coexistence of stray cats in the Gwangcheon-dong redevelopment area' through an emergency inquiry at the 328th temporary session of the council.

Kim emphasized that, since Gwangcheon-dong is a large-scale redevelopment area, it is necessary to establish systematic and effective protection measures, such as a manual, in cooperation with experts and residents. He argued that institutional support, such as revising ordinances, is needed to ensure the secure movement routes, systematic management, and efficient operation for stray cats in Seo-gu.

Taejin Kim, member of Gwangju Seo-gu Council.

Due to the territorial nature of cats, they cannot leave their original area, resulting in many cases where abandoned cats in redevelopment zones are buried and killed at demolition sites. As territorial animals, cats tend to hide deeper inside buildings rather than escape when demolition begins.

In the case of the Gwangcheon-dong redevelopment area, there is a lack of suitable places for stray cats to relocate safely, insufficient awareness among the redevelopment association about the relocation and protection of stray cats, a high risk of roadkill if they move to the nearby riverside, and similar issues are likely to occur around the Kia Motors area.

Currently, Seoul, Busan, and Gyeonggi Province have ordinances for animal protection within redevelopment zones. Article 25, Paragraph 2 of the Seoul Animal Protection Ordinance states, "The mayor or district head must make efforts for the rescue and protection of animals within the redevelopment zone and may provide necessary expenses to private organizations within the scope of the budget."

Kim stated, "We should create a manual through ordinance revision and apply it to the field, and above all, relocating feeding spots to naturally encourage the early migration of cats should be the top priority from the beginning of the redevelopment project." He added, "Securing budgets for mass neutering of cats, installing feeding stations, and ecological corridors, as well as communication among stakeholders, is also important."