“The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has introduced a dedicated phone number, 1577-0954, that allows anyone to immediately report stray animals. The Ministry announced on the 17th that it will operate the notification system continuously starting from the 18th.
Previously, citizens who found stray animals had to contact the relevant department or customer service of the local government to report them. This process was especially difficult outside business hours, leading to delays in rescue.
With the new dedicated number, when you call, a counselor from the Animal Protection Consultation Center will verify the location and immediately connect you to the local official in charge. Additionally, online reporting through the National Animal Protection Information System (www.animal.go.kr) is available 24/7.
When reporting online, identity verification is required, allowing you to check the report details, the animal rescue status, and information on the shelter to which the animal has been transferred. However, on-site response will be flexibly operated 24 hours depending on the local government’s conditions.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs emphasizes that even if you rescue a stray animal yourself, you must go through the reporting process to transfer the animal to a protection center. The consultation center can also provide guidance on basic safety regulations and connect you with capture teams.
If no owner appears within ten days after a protection notice is issued, the animal adoption process to a third party will commence.
Lee Yeon-sook, head of the Animal Welfare Policy Division at the Ministry, stated, ‘This improvement in the reporting system will facilitate quicker rescue of stray animals and help owners find lost pets.'”