"Competing After Drug Administration"... Investigation Launched into Animal Abuse in Cheongdo Bullfighting

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs:
"Supplementary Measures to Be Developed After Forming Consultative Body"

As criticism continues to mount that the Cheongdo bullfighting event constitutes animal abuse, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has decided to conduct a fact-finding investigation into the bullfighting operator (Cheongdo Public Corporation).

Ox involved in bullfighting. Animal Liberation Wave

On January 18, the Ministry announced plans to strengthen the management and operation of bullfighting by working with Cheongdo County in North Gyeongsang Province. The measures include a comprehensive review of bull registration information, the introduction of a nose pattern (biometric identification) collection system, the establishment of an external expert committee to improve the welfare of fighting bulls, and the promotion of sound practices in the sale of betting tickets for bullfighting matches.

In particular, the Ministry emphasized that it will take strong action in accordance with the Animal Protection Act against acts of animal abuse, such as excessive drug administration or allowing injured bulls to compete. According to the Animal Protection Act, causing injury to animals by physical or chemical means, such as the use of tools or drugs, is punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won.

Animal welfare organizations have long called for the abolition of bullfighting. Most recently, the Green Party's Daegu Metropolitan City chapter issued a statement urging an end to the cruel abuse of fighting bulls, claiming that many bulls compete while injured and under the influence of painkillers or other drugs.

In November last year, Assemblyman Son Sol of the Progressive Party sponsored a bill to abolish the "Traditional Bullfighting Act." The core of the bill is to ban gambling activities related to bullfighting and to ensure that fighting bulls are also protected under the Animal Protection Act. While the current Animal Protection Act defines "causing injury to animals for purposes of gambling, advertising, entertainment, or amusement" as animal abuse, bullfighting under the Traditional Bullfighting Act is currently exempted.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained, "To achieve progressive improvements in Cheongdo bullfighting, we will form a consultative body that includes fighting bull farmers, Cheongdo County stakeholders, and animal protection organizations, and use it to develop additional supplementary measures."