[Animal Welfare: A Shift to Law and Institutions] Framework Act on Animal Welfare: How Far Does the State's Responsibility Extend?

1. Policy Coordination and Securing Funding Are Key
Humans and Animals Live Together

Editor's NoteAs countries around the world strengthen animal protection systems and seek changes in related industries, discussions are continuing in South Korea between the government and the National Assembly on enacting a Framework Act on Animal Welfare and establishing a nationwide management system. This three-part series examines the effects animal welfare could have on household finances, public finances and corporate competitiveness, and considers the legal, budgetary and administrative tasks needed to create a society in which animals and people can live happily together.

"We will shift the policy paradigm from animal protection to substantive animal welfare." The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has designated animal welfare as a key priority, including it among the six major priorities for the second half of the year announced in July. Animal welfare means protecting and caring for animals so they can retain their natural behaviors and live in a comfortable, healthy environment. It is based on the recognition that humans and animals live together.

According to KB Management Research Institute's "2025 Korea Pet Report," 5.91 million households, or 26.7% of all households, have pets. The number of pet owners reaches 15.46 million, or 29.9% of the population, with 5.46 million pet dogs and 2.17 million pet cats. As animals have come to be seen as family members, people's attitudes toward them have also changed. This is why the paradigm has shifted from protection to welfare. The government is implementing its Third Comprehensive Animal Welfare Plan (2025-2029). "Some animals do not receive appropriate medical care because of economic and social circumstances," said Park Sun-seok, director of Park Sun-seok Animal Medical Center. "We need to consider ways to enhance the value of animal life while ensuring that more animals can universally benefit from animal healthcare."

Legislation is being pursued to elevate animal welfare policy into an integrated, nationwide system. According to the National Assembly on October 28, Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Seo Sam-seok and Yoon Jun-byeong each introduced a bill to enact a Framework Act on Animal Welfare, on July 28 and October 6, respectively. The key question in the legislative debate is how to establish the organizations and secure the budget needed to implement policies, beyond simply clarifying the state's responsibilities. Both bills have been referred to the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, but have not yet been placed on the committee's agenda.

Animal welfare policy covers a range of areas, including not only companion animals but also farm, laboratory and exhibition animals. Since relevant laws and responsible agencies are divided by area, a system is needed to establish nationwide fundamental principles and coordinate policies in an integrated manner.

On September 11, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs also held an expert forum at the National Assembly to discuss the direction and scope of the proposed legislation. Participants discussed the need for a policy framework encompassing the welfare of various animals, as well as issues surrounding the legal definition of animals and the scope of their protection. Seo's bill includes a comprehensive animal welfare plan to be drawn up every five years and the establishment of an Animal Welfare Promotion Institute. Yoon's bill proposes establishing an Animal Welfare Committee under the prime minister.

The current Animal Protection Act also establishes the responsibilities of the national and local governments to protect animals and provides a basis for drawing up comprehensive animal welfare plans. This has prompted calls for clarifying the scope of application and administrative responsibilities, and for measures to coordinate overlapping responsibilities among agencies, in order to make policies effective. The personnel and budget required to implement policies, regular surveys of conditions, and standards for evaluating results are also cited as outstanding tasks.

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