Nominations Open for "8th Korea Animal Welfare Awards 2026" Until November 8

The National Assembly Animal Welfare Forum, a parliamentary research group co-chaired by Park Honggeun, Lee Heonseung, and Han Jeongae, will begin accepting nominations for candidates for the "8th Korea Animal Welfare Awards 2026" starting October 1.

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The Animal Welfare Awards is an event that recognizes individuals and organizations for advancing animal rights and contributing to harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. Any individual, organization, company, local government, or public institution based in Korea may apply directly or be nominated for the award.

Awards for recipients include the National Assembly Speaker’s Award, as well as ministerial awards from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Climate, Environment, and Energy, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

The nomination period runs until November 8. Application forms can be downloaded from the official blog of the National Assembly Animal Welfare Forum, filled out, and then submitted by email together with supporting documents.

The winners will be selected by a judging panel made up of experts from academia, civic groups, the legal community, and the media. Selection is based on three main areas—sincerity in animal welfare, expertise, and social value—and seven detailed indicators: duration of public service, voluntariness, planning, level of difficulty, achievements, contributions, and recognition. The awards ceremony will take place at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building on December 9.

Since its foundation in 2015, the National Assembly Animal Welfare Forum has promoted the establishment of dedicated animal welfare organizations, comprehensive revisions of animal protection laws, and the end of dog meat consumption, leading various legislative and policy initiatives related to animal welfare. Currently, 27 lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties are active members.

Assemblyman Park Honggeun said, "A society where humans and animals coexist is not a choice but a demand of our time." He added, "I hope this year’s Animal Welfare Awards will mark a turning point in shifting the perspective on animals from 'protection' to 'welfare.'"

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