Keep the promise of animal welfare this time

PARK JONG-MOO
The author is a veterinarian.

With the 22nd general election on April 10 fast approaching, the governing and opposition parties are making a lot of pledges. With more than 6 million households with pets in the country, pledges related to pets are also included. The governing People Power Party did not announce animal-related promises at the party level, but individual candidates have made pledges such as a pet health center, a public 24-hour emergency animal hospital, and pet insurance.

In comparison, the majority Democratic Party announced animal welfare promises at the party level, including a revision of the current Animal Protection Act to the Animal Welfare Act, a pet ownership restriction for animal abusers, and bans on puppy and cat production facilities as well as fake animal shelters. The Justice Party announced promises that include banning pet shops, setting up animal health centers, abolishing animal cruelty festivals, and respecting the habitats of wild animals.

In October 2021, the Ministry of Justice proposed an amendment to the Civil Code stipulating that “animals are not objects.” In April 2023, the floor leaders of the governing and opposition parties met with the National Assembly speaker and agreed to pass the revision. But they could not pass it, as it could cause “legal confusion and disputes.”

In our society, some people advocate for the necessity of animal welfare, including pets. But there are still those who use animals for economic profit. They have different positions and disagree. In the past, animals were considered a means for human benefit, but the global spirit of the times is to care for animal welfare in consideration of the ecosystem crisis.

In line with this spirit of the times, integrating and coordinating differences in opinions falls within the political domain. I hope the animal-related promises will be kept this time.