Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean government has unveiled its "Third Comprehensive Animal Welfare Plan (2025-2029)," introducing a series of measures to combat animal abuse and abandonment. Key among these is the "animal breeding ban," set to take effect in 2027, which will prohibit individuals convicted of severe animal abuse from owning pets for 1-5 years.

In addition to the breeding ban, the government will amend the Animal Protection Act this year to include abandoning pets at veterinary hospitals or hotels for extended periods, or leaving them behind when moving, as acts of abandonment. Fines for such offenses will be increased from 3 million won to a maximum of 5 million won. Furthermore, mandatory animal registration will be expanded to include all dogs.

The plan also includes a reorganization of the animal medical service system. The government will designate specialized and advanced hospitals for complex treatments and train veterinary specialists in various fields. The "First Comprehensive Plan for Animal Medical Care Development" will be announced in June.

The government aims to halve the number of Animal Protection Act violations and abandoned/lost animals by 2029 through these initiatives. These measures reflect a growing emphasis on animal welfare in South Korea.