Intensive Crackdown Begins in July...
Fines Up to 600,000 KRW
Wanju County, North Jeolla Province, announced on May 13 that it will operate a "voluntary animal registration reporting period" until June 30.
According to the county on May 13, the purpose of this voluntary animal registration reporting period is to protect companion dogs, prevent loss and abandonment, and strengthen animal registration.
Under the current Animal Protection Act, dogs aged two months or older that are kept for companionship must be registered. Even if a dog has already been registered, any changes in the animal's owner, the owner's address or phone number, or the animal's status (lost, recovered, deceased) must be reported.
Animal registration and change reporting can be done by visiting an animal registration agency designated by the city or county (such as animal hospitals) with the companion animal. Change reports can also be filed online through "Government24" and the "National Animal Protection Information System." After the end of this voluntary animal registration reporting period, intensive enforcement will begin in July.
Failure to register an eligible animal may result in a fine of up to 600,000 KRW. Unregistered dogs will be restricted from using public facilities related to companion animals, such as dog playgrounds.
A county official stated, "We hope that dog owners who have not yet registered their animals will actively participate in animal registration during the voluntary reporting period," and added, "We also ask that you observe pet etiquette, such as keeping your dog on a leash (within 2 meters) and cleaning up after your pet when going out with your companion dog."
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