Pet Ownership Surpasses 15 Million in South Korea
Awareness of Animal Welfare Must Improve
On July 7, when Seoul issued its first heat wave warning of the year, companion animals such as birds and rabbits were confined in outdoor cages under direct sunlight on Cheonggyecheon Pet Street in Jongno-gu. The animals, packed tightly into small spaces, appeared exhausted from the extreme heat.
A heat wave warning is issued when the maximum perceived temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius for more than two consecutive days, or when significant damage from the heat is expected. However, there were no cooling facilities such as fans or air conditioners operating for the animals. One vendor said, "This isn't even considered a particularly hot day," and added, "We take care of them every day, so there are no major problems."
On the 7th, rabbits were displayed on the Cheonggyecheon Pet Street in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Youngchan Choi
The population of pet owners in South Korea exceeds 15 million. However, there are criticisms that pet sellers' awareness of animal welfare and rights remains low.
According to the 2024 National Survey on Animal Welfare Awareness published by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 74.4% of the 5,000 respondents said that "keeping animals in places without separate heating or cooling devices during heat waves or cold spells" constitutes "animal abuse." In addition, 87.8% believed that punishment for animal abuse and bans on keeping animals are necessary.
In addition to Cheonggyecheon Pet Street, it was also possible to see companion animals such as parrots, rabbits, and hamsters being sold in poor conditions at traditional markets. Park (57), who keeps parrots, said, "Last week I went to Deungchon Market in Seoul, and more than 10 parrots were packed into a small cage. The condition of the water and feed was also very poor, which made me feel bad."
On the 7th, parrots were displayed on Cheonggyecheon Pet Street in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Youngchan Choi
Even indoors, if the environment is not suitable for animals, the situation is no better than being outside in the cold or heat. At the pet sales section of a large supermarket in Seoul visited that day, a price tag read "A pair of Gouldian finches 50,000 won." The birds were kept in cramped cages, directly exposed to light and noise. Staff were not visible, and only a piece of paper with a contact number and instructions to call if needed was posted.
Cho Heekyung, president of the Korea Animal Rights Advocates, said, "Animals need their own space to escape heat or cold during extreme weather, but confining them in cages is nothing more than treating living beings as merchandise. Those who profit from animals should take even better care of them." She added, "Large supermarkets are noisy places with many people coming and going, and the very fact that animals have to continuously face unfamiliar people is wrong."
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