Gyeonggi Province is launching a wide-scale investigation into the illegal disposal of medical waste and poor management of veterinary drugs at animal hospitals, in response to the rising number of companion animals.
On April 20, Gyeonggi Province announced that it will conduct an investigation from April 21 to May 2, citing the increasing importance of managing highly infectious medical waste generated at animal hospitals, such as animal carcasses and removed tissues, discarded vaccine vials, syringes, and blood-stained gauze.
The province will mobilize a total of 920 personnel, including six special judicial police teams and 12 centers, to conduct intensive inspections at 360 animal hospitals across the region.
Gyeonggi Province investigates illegal activities related to veterinary drugs and medical waste at animal hospitals. Photo by Gyeonggi Province
The main inspection items include: disposing of medical waste without reporting or mixing it with general waste; improper storage of waste, such as not using designated containers, exceeding storage periods, or lacking refrigeration facilities; and selling or improperly managing expired drugs. Violators may face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.
Ki Ido, head of the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Corps, stated, "Illegal medical waste is not just a simple violation of the law, but an issue directly linked to the health of residents. Through this intensive investigation, we will thoroughly block illegal activities and create a veterinary medical environment where residents can feel safe."
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