Boryeong City Council Member Lee Jeonggeun Proposes Ordinance to Support Veterinary Expenses for the Socially Disadvantaged

Up to 200,000 Won Per Person Annually
Expected to Prevent Abandonment and Provide Psychological Stability

Lee Jeonggeun, member of Boryeong City Council

Lee Jeonggeun, a member of the Boryeong City Council in South Chungcheong Province, has proposed the "Ordinance on Supporting Veterinary Expenses for Companion Animals of the Socially Disadvantaged in Boryeong City."

According to the city council on June 12, the ordinance aims to establish a legal basis for providing financial support for veterinary expenses incurred by socially disadvantaged individuals who keep companion animals. The purpose is to reduce both psychological and economic burdens, prevent animal abandonment, and promote proper care.

The ordinance stipulates that Boryeong City may provide up to 200,000 won per person per year for veterinary expenses, within the limits of the budget, to socially disadvantaged residents such as persons with severe disabilities, basic livelihood security recipients, and those in the lower-income bracket.

It also includes provisions on the procedures and methods for support, prevention of duplicate support, measures for suspension and recovery of support, and agreements with designated animal hospitals, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the system's operation.

Lee Jeonggeun stated, "This ordinance is a practical measure to improve the reality in which socially disadvantaged people who regard their companion animals as family members are unable to receive proper treatment due to financial reasons, and it can also help alleviate the problem of animal abandonment. I hope it will contribute to creating a community where people and companion animals can coexist harmoniously."

The ordinance is scheduled to be finalized at the second plenary session of the 268th regular meeting.