Gwangyang to Operate "Voluntary Animal Registration Reporting" Until End of October

Fine Waived for Animal Registration or Reporting Changes

On September 18, the city of Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, announced that it will operate a "Voluntary Animal Registration Reporting Period" until October 31 to promote pet dog registration and update registration information.

According to the Animal Protection Act, dogs aged two months or older that are kept in residential or semi-residential properties, or kept elsewhere for companionship, must be registered.

Gwangyang City will operate a "Voluntary Animal Registration Reporting Period" until the end of October to promote pet dog registration and update registration information. Photo by Gwangyang City

Even if a pet has already been registered, any changes to the pet owner's information, such as the owner's name, address, or phone number, or changes in the animal's status (lost, recovered, or deceased), must be reported.

Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to 600,000 won. However, if unregistered pets or unreported changes are registered or reported during this voluntary reporting period, the fine will be temporarily waived.

Starting in November, after the voluntary reporting period ends, the city will conduct inspections in parks and other areas frequented by pets, targeting those who have not registered their pets or reported changes.

Animal registration can be easily completed by visiting a nearby veterinary clinic designated as an agency. Changes can also be reported online through the National Animal Protection Information System and Government 24.

Lee Kanggi, head of the Agricultural Policy Division, stated, "Animal registration is a legal obligation that every pet dog owner must comply with. We ask that you not only register your pets but also follow pet etiquette, such as keeping your dog on a leash (within 2 meters) and cleaning up after them when outdoors, to help establish a responsible pet ownership culture."

Meanwhile, to encourage animal registration, the city is subsidizing the cost of "internal" animal registration, which involves inserting a radio-frequency identification device (microchip) into the animal's body. Internal registration is less susceptible to damage and is the fastest and most accurate way to locate a lost pet.