As the population of pet-owning households continues to grow, parks and walking trails have increasingly become focal points for social friction. In response to recurring conflicts arising from off-leash dogs and uncollected waste, Chungju City in North Chungcheong Province, alongside local community organizations, has intensified its public-private "pet etiquette" campaign to promote responsible pet ownership and alleviate the anxieties of non-pet owners.

On September 5, Chungju City collaborated with local civic groups in the Hoam-dong area to conduct a joint public-private campaign emphasizing fundamental pet etiquette. Participants actively guided citizens on vital rules, highlighting that leashes must be worn at all times during walks and that pet waste must be cleared immediately.

Prior to this drive, the city also hosted online social media events to encourage pet owners to share their practical adherence to safety measures like leash usage and waste disposal. To boost active participation, the city randomly drew 50 participants from the submissions to receive online gift certificates valued at approximately 20,000 won.

City officials and animal behavior experts emphasize that pet guardians must use leashes of appropriate lengths to maintain control over their animals, particularly in shared spaces, multi-family housing complexes, and elevators where sudden behaviors can trigger anxiety or accidents. Even typically gentle dogs, not just designated dangerous breeds, can react unpredictably to unfamiliar environments, strangers, or other animals.

To ensure long-term effectiveness, experts note that municipalities must move beyond one-off promotional campaigns. Sustained solutions require regular on-site education at designated dog playgrounds and walking trails. Furthermore, authorities plan to combine targeted facility improvements with rigorous monitoring, guidance, and crackdowns in areas reporting frequent civilian complaints regarding unregistered pets or uncollected waste. By integrating community-wide participation, school clubs, and consistent enforcement, Chungju aims to foster a mature culture where pet lovers and neighbors coexist harmoniously.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]