A new policy in South Korea will require prospective animal companion guardians to participate in an educational program before adopting, according to The Korea Times.
This requirement seeks to confirm a sense of responsibility. Similar programs already exist in some European countries and help individuals assess their readiness to care for animals.
“Those countries with advanced animal welfare policies require people to even take a test before adopting a pet,” an Animal Welfare Policy Division official said.
This year, animal welfare lessons will also be taught in elementary and middle schools, with expansion to high schools planned for 2026.
Additionally, all dogs will be registered in a government database.
In line with the Animal Protection Act, South Korea will launch its Animal Protection Day on October 4th, which coincides with World Animal Day. An event will be held to spread awareness about animal welfare.
“We have designed the latest animal welfare plan based on our past policies and have further strengthened them so that they can be proven effective in practice promptly,” an official from the ministry’s animal policy bureau said.
This initiative comes shortly after the passage of a dog meat trade ban in January, which will outlaw the distribution and sale of dog meat by 2027. Authorities are encouraging those in the industry to cease operations and are supporting them in pursuing other careers.
Lady Freethinker is ecstatic to see such action taken for the welfare of animals in South Korea and is grateful for these steps toward a more compassionate world.
