Council Member Jiminhee's Sponsored "Yangpyeong County Companion Animal Culture Promotion Support Ordinance" Passed

On September 5, during the 310th extraordinary session of the Yangpyeong County Council, the second plenary meeting saw the passage of the “Yangpyeong County Companion Animal Culture Promotion Support Ordinance” (hereinafter referred to as the ordinance), which was sponsored by Council Member Jiminhee of the People Power Party.

Jiminhee, Member of Yangpyeong County Council. Provided by Yangpyeong County Council

The ordinance, which was approved this time, was enacted to ease conflicts between pet owners and non-pet owners and to contribute to the establishment of a mature and proper companion animal culture. It stipulates the responsibilities of the county governor and residents in fostering a companion animal culture, as well as a program to subsidize registration fees for animals subject to registration.

Additionally, the ordinance includes provisions for various support programs to promote companion animal culture, such as temporary protection and adoption services for companion animals, medical expense assistance for companion animals in households vulnerable to caregiving, basic training programs for companion animals, and support for festivals and competitions aimed at fostering a companion animal-friendly culture.

Council Member Jiminhee stated, “As of December 2024, there are 15,712 registered companion dogs in Yangpyeong County. Since only puppies over two months old are required to be registered, the actual number of unregistered companion animals, as well as lost and abandoned animals, is expected to be much higher. Furthermore, considering the external tourists who visit Yangpyeong with their companion animals, it is extremely important to overcome cultural differences between pet owners and non-pet owners and to create a culture of mutual respect.”

She also added, “Establishing a companion animal-friendly culture is the most fundamental criterion for being selected as a ‘Companion Animal-Friendly Tourist City’ by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism each year. I will do my utmost to ensure that Yangpyeong can become a travel destination recognized as a valuable tourism resource for those traveling with their companion animals by fostering a proper companion animal culture.”