Received 3 years in prison for starving 1,000 dogs and cats to death in Korea

Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Starving Over 1,000 Abandoned Animals

In a distressing case, a 66-year-old man has been handed a three-year prison sentence for causing the death of more than 1,000 dogs and cats due to starvation. The Suwon district court branch in Yeoju imposed the maximum penalty under the Korean Animal Protection Act, marking a significant step in addressing animal cruelty.

Adoption with Neglect

The accused individual, in his 60s, had been adopting forsaken dogs and cats from pet farms since February 2020. These animals, deemed infertile or of little commercial value, were taken in for a fee of 10,000 won (7.53 USD) each. Shockingly, the man failed to provide proper care, leading to a tragic outcome.

Grim Discovery in Yangpyeong

A grim revelation unfolded when a concerned resident searching for a lost dog stumbled upon the man's home in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. The resident, finding 1,256 lifeless dogs and cats, immediately alerted the authorities on March 4. Television stations aired blurred footage, depicting deceased animals in cages, sacks, and rubber crates.

Animal Rights Group Steps In

Upon investigation, animal rights group Care reported the horrific scene, describing the corpses as rotting and stacked upon one another. Only four surviving dogs were rescued from the dire situation. These survivors, malnourished and afflicted with skin diseases, are currently undergoing treatment at a local clinic. Two of them are in critical condition.

Legal Reckoning and Wider Concerns

While the severe sentence handed down in this case is a noteworthy development, concerns persist about the enforcement of animal cruelty laws in Korea. Data from the opposition Democratic Party's official office revealed that, between 2017 and March 2022, only 2.9% of the 4,221 individuals charged with animal cruelty faced prosecution.

Alarming Statistics

Nearly half of the accused individuals (47%) faced no criminal charges, and 32% received minor fines. Among the 346 people subjected to various penalties, close to 60% were fined, while a mere 5.5%, equivalent to 19 individuals, were incarcerated. Current laws allow for a fine of up to 30 million won or a maximum prison term of 3 years for causing an animal's death through abuse.

In light of these statistics, there is a pressing need for increased awareness, stricter enforcement, and enhanced legal measures to protect animals from cruelty in Korea. The recent case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that persist in safeguarding the well-being of animals.