Silla University I-URP Project Group Signs Family Company Agreement with Animal Protection Organization Sacheon Gilcheon Angel

Shilla University (President Heo Nam-sik) Pet Industry Specialized University Innovation Research Complex (I-URP) Project Group signed a family company agreement with Sacheon Gilcheon-sa, an animal protection organization located in Sacheon City, Gyeongnam.

The Silla University I-URP Project Group is taking a commemorative photo after signing a family company agreement with the animal protection organization Sacheon Gilcheon-sa. Photo by Silla University

On February 27, at the Shilla University I-URP Project Group, the family company agreement ceremony was held to promote animal welfare and the development of the pet industry, attended by key officials from both organizations, including Project Director Bae Il-kwon of the I-URP Project Group and Kim Myung-hee, CEO of the animal protection organization Sacheon Gilcheon-sa.

During 2024, Sacheon Gilcheon-sa rescued 87 abandoned dogs, adopted out 67, provided temporary shelter for 15, and took on-site protection measures for 28. They also rescued 35 abandoned cats, adopted 9, and provided on-site protection for 38, actively engaging in animal protection activities.

In particular, Sacheon Gilcheon-sa took the lead in capturing two stray dogs, Hwindungi and Geomdungi, who lived around Samcheonpo Port and threatened passersby. After about five hours of stakeout, both dogs were successfully captured and rescued.

Through this agreement, the two organizations promised to mutually cooperate to promote the development of the pet industry and nurture experts by exchanging new technologies and field information in education, research, and industry-academia cooperation; jointly developing technologies and exchanging field personnel; participating in special lectures; sharing facilities, equipment, and materials; exchanging curricula and technical meetings; and providing scholarships, field training, internships, and employment opportunities for students.

Kim Myung-hee, CEO of Sacheon Gilcheon-sa, said, “Through this family company agreement, we expect to contribute more systematically to abandoned animal protection and industry development,” adding, “Based on cooperation with Shilla University’s Department of Companion Animal Studies and the I-URP Project Group, we will strive to nurture professionals and further spread social awareness of animal protection.”

Bae Il-kwon, Director of Shilla University’s I-URP Project Group, said, “The agreement with Sacheon Gilcheon-sa is a meaningful start not only for the development of an industry based on pet welfare but also for the protection of abandoned animals,” and added, “Our I-URP Project Group will continue research and education for animal protection and related industry development to support students in acquiring practical skills needed in the field and contribute to enhancing animal welfare in the region.”

The ongoing cooperation between the two organizations is expected to bring positive changes by revitalizing animal welfare and the development of the pet industry.