"Tosa and Pit Bull Terrier Cannot Be Kept Without a Permit"... Dangerous Dog Breeding Permit System Implemented

Gyeonggi Province and Busan City Begin Full Implementation of Dangerous Dog Breeding Permit System
Permit Required by October 26

From now on, anyone who wishes to keep dangerous dog breeds such as Tosa or Pit Bull Terrier must obtain a breeding permit. Local governments across the country, including Gyeonggi Province and Busan City, have begun full implementation of the revised Animal Protection Act.

Residents of Gyeonggi Province who own dangerous dogs must obtain a dangerous dog breeding permit by October 26 of this year. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

According to Gyeonggi Province on May 7, residents who wish to keep dangerous dogs must submit an application to their local city or county office by October 26 of this year. The required documents include animal registration, proof of liability insurance, proof of neutering, and a medical certificate confirming the absence of mental illness or drug addiction. After submission, the Gyeonggi Province Temperament Assessment Committee will conduct an interview with the dog owner and an on-site evaluation to assess the aggressiveness of the dangerous dog. If the dog is judged to have low aggressiveness, a breeding permit will be issued.

Gyeonggi Province announced that, in order to ensure the stable establishment of the dangerous dog breeding permit system, it will prepare at least three temperament assessment locations within the province, including one in Siheung (Dringen Dog Theme Park). The province also plans to offer a free preliminary mock test service for the first 30 dogs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Under the Animal Protection Act, dangerous dogs include five breeds and their crossbreeds: Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Rottweiler. However, if a dog of another breed causes harm or poses a risk to people or animals, or becomes the subject of a dispute due to aggressiveness, it can also be designated as a dangerous dog after a temperament assessment.

Current owners of dangerous dogs must obtain a breeding permit by October 26 of this year, in accordance with the guidance period operated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Failure to comply will result in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won. To safely keep dangerous breeds such as Pit Bull Terriers, owners must obtain a breeding permit from the local government and undergo a temperament assessment.

Busan City will also fully implement temperament assessments for dangerous dogs starting this year. Busan City has already introduced the dangerous dog breeding permit system in July last year and has been operating a guidance period. The city emphasized that all current owners of dangerous dogs must obtain a permit by October 26.

The temperament assessment is conducted based on a total of 12 scenarios, including the dog's reaction when encountering other people or animals and its interaction with the owner. The assessment fee is 250,000 won per dog, to be paid by the owner, while the remaining costs are covered by the local government.

Lee Yeonsuk, head of the Animal Welfare Division of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "We expect that the dangerous dog breeding permit system will help prevent safety accidents caused by companion animals and foster a mature pet culture. We urge all current owners to complete their applications within the designated period."