Animal Ownership Ban for Abusers... 'Animal Ownership Ban Order' Bill Passes Main Assembly

An animal ownership ban order system will be introduced to prevent repeat offenses by animal abusers.

Abused Poodle Receiving Treatment at Animal Protection Center. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Animal Welfare National Assembly Forum (co-chaired by Assemblymen Park Honggeun, Lee Heonseung, and Han Jeongae) announced on October 1 that the National Assembly plenary session had passed an alternative bill to partially amend the Animal Protection Act, which includes the introduction of animal ownership bans for animal abusers.

Under the amended law, if a person prosecuted for animal cruelty is deemed at risk of reoffending, the court may prohibit the individual from owning, managing, or caring for animals for a period of at least one year and up to five years. During the ban period, the individual will be subject to probation. Violation of the order is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million won.

The amendment also stipulates that, in the case of prosecution for animal abuse charges, the abused animal may be protected and not returned to the perpetrator until a final court ruling is made. In addition, individuals with a record of animal cruelty will face restrictions on animal donations and adoptions.

The Animal Welfare National Assembly Forum welcomed the amendment, calling it "an important milestone in animal protection legislation."

The animal ownership ban order was pursued during the 2022 full revision of the Animal Protection Act, but did not result in legislation due to concerns raised during the review by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. There were worries that it might excessively restrict property and basic rights and infringe on the presumption of innocence.

The forum assessed that this amendment is the result of discussions among lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and civil society organizations. They stated that they will monitor follow-up procedures to ensure the effective implementation of the probation system and enforcement ordinances on the ground.

Additionally, they announced plans to promote subsequent legislation, including enacting a Basic Animal Welfare Act encompassing not just animal protection but also welfare, and amending the Civil Act to ensure that animals are no longer regarded as objects.

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