Kim Dong-yeon Governor: "Will Create a Society and Culture of Living Together with Pets"

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Park No-hoon] Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province expressed his determination to "create a society and culture of living together with pets."

Governor Kim Dong-yeon said on the 18th through SNS, "Gyeonggi Province will deploy 110 special inspectors for the month of March to comprehensively inspect areas of concern for animal abuse such as auction houses and breeding facilities, and crack down on illegal activities at pet-related facilities," and stated, "We need systems and policies that protect and respect animals not as simple 'objects' but as 'living beings'."

He then explained the changes and future of Gyeonggi Province's animal-related policies and emphasized, "Gyeonggi Province will do its best to create a society and culture of living together with pets going forward."

The following is the full text of Governor Kim Dong-yeon's SNS post.

<Happy Gyeonggi Province Living Together with Pets>

Recently, the bodies of approximately 1,200 dogs were discovered at a scrap metal shop in Yangpyeong. It was a tragic incident in which dogs that were not sold at dog breeding facilities and similar places were brought in for payment and left to starve to death.

Gyeonggi Province will deploy 110 special inspectors for the month of March to comprehensively inspect areas of concern for animal abuse such as auction houses and breeding facilities, and crack down on illegal activities at pet-related facilities. We will do our best to ensure that a second or third Yangpyeong scrap metal shop incident does not occur.

As of 2020, the number of pet-owning households in our country exceeded 6 million, with more than three out of every ten households keeping pets. Two years ago, I raised an abandoned dog found near the presidential election camp's headquarters together with volunteers. Although we found a good owner and sent it for adoption, I still often think of it.

We need systems and policies that protect and respect animals not as simple 'objects' but as 'living beings'.

Last December, Gyeonggi Province reorganized the Department of Livestock and Forestry into the 'Department of Livestock Animal Welfare' and established the 'Division of Animal Welfare' and 'Division of Pets' for the first time in the nation. Through the currently operating <Gyeonggi Province Animal Welfare Platform>, we will provide useful information and promote campaigns such as 'Abandoned Animal Adoption Campaigns'.

This year, we will open <Pet Theme Park>, a complex cultural space for pet adoption and education, in Yeoju. While managing the protection and adoption of abandoned dogs, it will become a valuable cultural space for pet owners.

Going forward, Gyeonggi Province will do its best to create a society and culture of living together with pets.