Daejeon, South Korea – In a proactive move to enhance animal welfare and ensure responsible pet ownership, the Metropolitan City of Daejeon has announced a two-month voluntary pet registration period, commencing on May 1st and extending through June 30th. This initiative aims to encourage unregistered dog owners to comply with the mandatory pet registration law without incurring penalties. Following this amnesty period, the city plans to implement rigorous enforcement measures starting in July.

Under the existing Animal Protection Act of South Korea, it is obligatory for owners of dogs aged two months or older, kept for companionship purposes, to register their animals. Furthermore, the legislation mandates timely reporting of any alterations in owner details, such as changes in address or contact information, as well as modifications in the pet's status, including instances of loss or death. Specifically, the loss of a registered animal must be reported within ten days, while changes in ownership, address, contact details, or the animal's condition necessitate notification within thirty days. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to substantial fines, potentially reaching up to 600,000 Korean Won (approximately $460 USD).

Recognizing that some pet owners may be unaware of these regulations or have inadvertently failed to register their animals, Daejeon City has instituted this voluntary reporting window. During May and June, individuals who newly register their dogs or report any necessary changes to existing registration information will be granted a complete waiver of any applicable fines. This initiative underscores the city's commitment to facilitating compliance before resorting to punitive measures.

For first-time registration, pet owners are required to visit a designated animal registration agency within their respective autonomous district. They must present valid identification and bring their canine companion for the registration process. Owners will have the option of choosing between two primary methods of identification: the implantation of an internal microchip containing a unique radio-frequency identification (RFID) code or the attachment of an external identification tag or device that also incorporates RFID technology. The microchip, typically the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the dog's skin and provides a permanent and tamper-proof means of identification. External tags, while less invasive, require careful attachment to the dog's collar or harness.

For owners needing to update existing registration details, such as a change of address or contact information, these modifications can be conveniently made online through the National Animal Protection Information System website (www.animal.go.kr). However, changes in pet ownership necessitate a more formal process, requiring the new owner to either visit the Government24 website (www.gov.kr) or directly visit the administrative office of their autonomous district to complete the necessary paperwork. This in-person or government portal requirement for ownership transfer aims to ensure accurate and legally sound record-keeping.

Park Young-cheol, the Director of Daejeon Metropolitan City's Green Agriculture and Life Bureau, emphasized the significance of pet registration, stating, "Registering your pet is not merely an option; it is a legal obligation that reflects responsible pet ownership and contributes to the overall well-being of our animal companions and the community. We strongly encourage all unregistered dog owners to take advantage of this voluntary reporting period to avoid potential penalties and ensure their compliance with the law."

Following the conclusion of the voluntary registration period on June 30th, Daejeon City will intensify its efforts to enforce the pet registration law. Throughout July, city authorities will conduct focused inspections in areas frequented by dog walkers, including public parks, walking trails, and locations where complaints regarding unregistered animals are frequently received. These crackdowns will involve active monitoring and the potential imposition of fines on owners found to be in violation of the Animal Protection Act.

This initiative by Daejeon City reflects a broader national trend in South Korea towards strengthening animal welfare regulations and promoting responsible pet ownership. The mandatory pet registration system is designed to aid in the reunification of lost pets with their owners, help manage the pet population, and support efforts to prevent the spread of animal diseases. By offering a voluntary compliance window, Daejeon aims to achieve higher registration rates through cooperation and awareness before resorting to strict enforcement measures. Pet owners in Daejeon are urged to utilize this opportunity to register their animals and contribute to a more responsible and caring environment for both pets and the community.