Pet Control Measures

[Anchor Lead]

In the wake of the fatal biting accident involving K-pop star Choi Si-won's dog, there are more public calls for heightened awareness of dangerous dogs and tougher pet control measures. Among the measures being considered are stronger penalties for biting incidents and heightened safety awareness from dog owners.

[Pkg]

K-pop star Choi Si-won's family dog is reported to have caused the death of a neighbor, raising criticism about his family's negligence in controlling their pet. In Seoul last June two fierce dogs attacked and injured three people as the result of the owner's carelessness. Debates about tougher control measures follow each accident, but haven't produced any results in most cases. It's commonplace to see dogs not wearing safety gear, like leashes, outdoors.

[Soundbite] Jeong Chan-suk(Seoul Resident) : "Dog owners think their dogs are tame, but dogs can suddenly change. I'm always anxious that they might bite me."

As a matter of fact, roughly 1,800 people in 2014 and some 2,100 people last year were injured from dog bites.

[Soundbite] Lee Hye-won(3R Animal Welfare Research Center, Konkuk Univ.) : "Dog owners must be educated. It's crucial for them to control their pets so that the animals won't hurt people."

Perfunctory punishment is also a problem. Last year more than 38,000 dog owners were caught not using leashes in the parks lining the Hangang River, but only 55 of them were fined. Also, calls are mounting for tougher crackdowns and penalties for negligent dog owners, since uncontrolled pet dogs can become like weapons that hurt other people.