Gimhae City to Launch Focused Crackdown on Unregistered Companion Animals ... Fines Up to 600,000 Won

Gimhae City in South Gyeongsang Province announced on July 20 that it will conduct a focused crackdown on unregistered companion animals from July 21 to August 19.

The city had previously encouraged pet registration by offering a voluntary reporting period from May 1 to June 30.

This crackdown aims to make the animal registration system, which has so far been operated mainly through public awareness campaigns and guidance, more effective and to strengthen the social responsibility of pet owners.

Gyeongnam Gimhae City Hall. [Photo by Gimhae City]

The city will check whether animals are registered at major dog walking areas and companion animal businesses.

Compliance with safety measures, such as the use of leashes and collection of animal waste, will also be inspected.

Animals subject to registration living in Eup and Myeon (excluding designated dangerous dogs) are exempt from the inspection, as these are areas excluded from animal registration requirements.

If unregistered animals are found, fines will be imposed according to the Animal Protection Act: 200,000 won for the first offense, 400,000 won for the second offense, and 600,000 won for the third offense.

Fines will also be imposed for violations of safety measures, such as not using a leash or failing to pick up animal waste.

The city is planning to operate a second voluntary reporting period from September 1 to October 31, followed by a second focused crackdown in November.

A city official stated, "We hope that pet registration will be recognized as a mandatory social responsibility, not an option, and ask everyone to actively participate in fostering a mature companion animal culture."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.