Narrowing the Gap Between Companionship and Abandonment

Narrowing the Gap Between Companionship and Abandonment

South Korea has now entered an era where more than a quarter of the population keeps companion animals as family members. Dogs, cats, and various other animals live alongside us, symbolizing coexistence with humans. However, the reality that over 100,000 animals are abandoned each year highlights the dark side of animal welfare we face.

While institutional measures like the animal registration system have increased the rate of abandoned animals returning home, nearly half of these animals still end their lives without proper care. The government is implementing various improvement measures, such as expanding the registration system and strengthening publicity, but to enhance the effectiveness of these systems, a sense of responsibility from all citizens is essential.

The fundamental solution to the problem of abandoned animals lies in responsibility education. Education on respecting life and pre-adoption education for companion animals must be established, and introducing legal education before adoption, as in Switzerland, could serve as a model. Companion animals are not simply cute creatures but family members who will be with us for life. For guardians, companion animals are their entire world, and small acts of responsibility can reduce the number of abandoned animals and enable healthy coexistence.

The distance between companionship and abandonment ultimately lies in the difference between heart and responsibility. It is not choice but commitment, not ownership but responsibility that determines the level of animal welfare in our society. When environmental activists and citizens alike practice a responsible attitude toward animals, a better future of coexistence will unfold.

The gap between companionship and abandonment

The current state of companion animals and the reality of abandonment

South Korea has entered the “era of 10 million companion animals,” with more than a quarter of the population keeping companion animals. While various animals live as part of families, there is also the dark reality that over 100,000 animals are abandoned each year.

Rescue of Abandoned Animals and Institutional Responses

The return rate for abandoned animals has nearly doubled since the introduction of the animal registration system, but nearly half of the animals still die naturally or are euthanized. The government is making various efforts, such as improving systems, promoting awareness, and expanding the registration system, but a sense of national responsibility must accompany these efforts.

The Core of Prevention: Responsibility Education

The fundamental solution to the problem of abandoned animals is responsibility education. Education on respecting life and pre-adoption education for companion animals are essential, and examples such as Switzerland, which has introduced legal education, serve as models.

Reasons for Abandoning Companion Animals and Responsibility

There are various reasons why companion animals are abandoned, but it is important to emphasize that being a family member is a continuous responsibility. Caregivers are everything to companion animals, and responsible choices are necessary.

The bond between humans and animals

Companion animals form deep bonds with humans, and it is important to emphasize that practicing small acts of responsibility is the way to reduce the number of abandoned animals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why are companion animals abandoned?

A1. The main reasons pets are abandoned include excessive barking, shedding, growth, aging, illness, moving, and lack of someone to care for them. However, since family is a continuous responsibility, careful choices and a sense of responsibility are necessary.

Q2. What is the pet registration system?

A2. It is a system for registering and managing pets, which helps them return home quickly in case of abandonment or loss. South Korea made it mandatory in the late 2000s.

Q3. What is pet education like in Switzerland?

A3. Switzerland emphasizes animal welfare and responsible ownership by making legal education on various topics, such as understanding behavior, health management, and legal responsibility, mandatory before adoption.

Q4. What is most important in reducing the number of abandoned animals?

A4. Fundamentally, it is important to raise awareness of responsibility through pre-adoption education and life respect education.

Q5. What is the bond between pets and humans?

A5. Pets are everything to their owners and form deep emotional bonds with humans. Responsible care preserves that bond.

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