The South Korean government has decided to establish a Companion Animal Policy Committee under the Prime Minister's Office to handle pet-related policies.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok chaired the inaugural meeting of the Companion Animal Policy Committee at the Government Complex Seoul on Friday. "It is currently difficult for any single ministry to handle companion animal issues, so while the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will continue its existing responsibilities as the lead ministry, we have decided to establish the Companion Animal Policy Committee under the Prime Minister's Office to address related policies," Kim said.
"Companion animal issues have traditionally been handled by the agriculture ministry, but some people find it emotionally difficult to accept, saying 'Why are family-like companion animals being treated as if they were livestock?'" the prime minister said. "There have also been suggestions that the Ministry of Health and Welfare should handle these issues because they involve various insurance matters, and others have argued that the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family should take charge as part of family affairs."
"The government has gone through a process of filtering out key agenda items, based on the view that it would be best to look at the issues arising around people and families living with companion animals," Kim added.