South Korea plans legal status for animals in bid to stop abuse

South Korea is planning to amend its civil code to grant animals legal status against abuse, abandonment, and torture, said Choung Jae-min, the justice ministry’s director-general of legal counsel, Reuters reported. This change is triggered by a dramatically increasing number of animal abuse cases in the country.

Animal abuse reports surged to 914 in 2019 from 69 in 2010, data published by a lawmaker’s office showed, and the pet-owning population grew to more than 10 million people in the country of 52 million.

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According to Reuters, the amendment is likely to receive the South Korean parliament’s approval during the next session to take place in September.

When approved, the legal amendment would make South Korea one of the few countries to recognise animals as beings, with a right to protection, enhanced welfare and respect for life.

South Korea already have a few animal protection laws in place. The current law states that anyone who abuses or is cruel to animals may be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison or fined 30 million won ($25,494). However, the problem lies in the establishment of charges. The standards to decide penalties have been low in the country as the animals are treated merely as an object under the current legal framework, Choung told Reuters in an interview.

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Once the Civil Act declares animals are no longer simply things, judges and prosecutors will have more options when determining sentences, he said.

That’s not it, South Korea also has further plans to expand animal laws prudence in the country. Choung said the amended civil code will further pave lead to efforts in this direction such as life insurance packages for animals and the obligation to rescue and report roadkill.

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In 2018, a cream-coloured Pomeranian dog was buried alive by its owner and left to die in Busan. No charges were filed against its owner at the time.

The potential law is welcomed by animal rights groups and activists with open arms.