"Closure of Dog Meat Restaurants" Leads to Stray Dogs Appearing at Seoul National University, Heightening Student Anxiety

Six Stray Dogs Captured Near Dormitories
Estimated 30 Stray Dogs Inhabiting Gwanak Mountain Area

A pack of stray dogs has been repeatedly appearing around Seoul National University Gwanak Campus, increasing students' anxiety. Last year, a student was bitten by a stray dog, and recently, several dogs have been spotted near the dormitories, leading to heightened vigilance.

A pack of stray dogs has been repeatedly appearing around Seoul National University Gwanak Campus, increasing students' anxiety (photo is for illustrative purposes and unrelated to the article content). Pixabay

According to Seoul National University and the Gwanak District Office on November 2, six stray dogs were seen roaming together near the Gwanak Student Residence Hall at around 2 p.m. on October 27. The university determined that it would be difficult to capture the dogs on its own and requested assistance from the district office. In response, the district dispatched a veterinarian and capture specialists, who used tranquilizer guns to catch the pack.

Stray dogs have long inhabited the area around Seoul National University, which borders Gwanaksan Mountain, and it is currently estimated that about 30 are active in the area. Most of these dogs are the result of natural breeding. Since 2017, the university has installed capture traps in areas where complaints have been reported, and currently, equipment is set up at eight locations, including the dormitories and the faculty club. In January last year, stray dogs were also spotted near the central library.

Among students, advice on how to deal with stray dogs is being shared via social media. Tips include not showing interest and discarding any food you are carrying.

Since 2022, Gwanak District has operated a "Stray Dog Safety Capture Team" composed of five people, including experts and veterinarians. According to the district office, 63 stray dogs were captured across Gwanak District from January to October this year, an increase from 56 last year. The six dogs captured this time were transferred to an abandoned animal protection center, and after a 10-day public notice period, they will be available for adoption. Adoption applications have already been received.

An official from the Gwanak District Office stated, "It is rare for stray dogs to attack people, but there have been cases where they threaten pet dogs," and advised, "Please avoid feeding them or approaching them at night."

Experts have identified the closure of dog meat restaurants in the Gwanak area as one of the causes of the spread of stray dogs. Dogs that were raised for slaughter were abandoned in the mountains, leading to continued breeding and a stable population.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government captures stray dogs every year, but stated that eradication is difficult because puppies continue to be born. In particular, during winter, food shortages drive packs of stray dogs into residential areas or near the campus, increasing the likelihood of encounters with people or pet dogs.

Experts advise, "Stray dogs are highly feral, so it is best to avoid approaching them," and added, "In addition to capture, long-term management measures such as neutering and restricting food sources are necessary."