Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, has announced his commitment to establishing an Animal Welfare Act and alleviating the financial burden of pet-raising.
Today (21st), through social media, he proclaimed, “I will create an advanced nation in animal welfare where both people and animals can live happily together,” and outlined his pet-related policies.
He stated, “We will shift the policy paradigm from animal protection to a welfare-centered system,” and promised to legislate the Basic Animal Welfare Act and establish an Animal Welfare Promotion Agency.
Additionally, he noted that “veterinary costs account for 40% of the average monthly pet-raising expenses,” and vowed to implement a standard fee system and establish standard medical procedures to reduce treatment costs. He also mentioned plans to enhance pet insurance systems through improved registration rates and infrastructure.
Furthermore, he proposed expanding tax exemptions on veterinary services, and through pet clinics, addressing the care gaps for animals raised by vulnerable groups, rescued or adopted animals, and in areas lacking veterinary services.
Lee promised to prevent abuse and abandonment while promoting a healthy pet culture by introducing a ‘Pet Ownership Prohibition System’ which would ban those guilty of animal abuse from owning animals for a certain period.
He also announced gradual implementation of basic training systems for pet ownership, regulating illegal breeding facilities and pseudo-shelters, and restricting the operations and promotions of profit-driven entities masquerading as shelters.
He further pledged to expand support for animal welfare-certified farms, strengthen protection and education functions of public zoos, legislate the Animal Alternative Testing Promotion Act to reduce the sacrifice of laboratory animals, and enhance the welfare of service animals such as rescue dogs.
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