The Democratic Party of Korea will introduce a standard fee system for veterinary clinics to formalize the currently inconsistent treatment cost structure and establish care centers for stray cats at local governments. The party also plans to evaluate animal habitat environments to improve animal welfare at zoos and aquariums.
Party leader Jung Chung-rae announced the animal welfare pledges at a roundtable held at the National Assembly on Thursday.
The Democratic Party said it would introduce a standard fee system for setting pet treatment costs and expand the scope of value-added tax exemptions on veterinary fees. The aim is to standardize treatment costs, which currently vary across animal hospitals, to enhance predictability and reduce controversies over excessive treatment. The party also said it would push for an increase in publicly designated animal hospitals across local governments nationwide.
The Democratic Party also decided to set up stray cat care centers at local governments to ease social conflicts arising from disputes such as the "cat mom" controversy. The care centers will perform functions including rescue, care, feeding, and adoption support. To back these efforts, the party plans to support the active operation of animal welfare committees in each local government.
The party also plans to raise the level of care for "yard dogs" by providing education and outreach to elderly residents in rural areas on how to care for them, along with support for improving their environments.
In addition, to enhance animal welfare at zoos and aquariums, the party plans to review policies such as evaluating the adequacy of animal habitat environments, providing consulting support for zoos, and offering education programs for employees. Outstanding public zoos will be designated as hub zoos, with expanded support.
The party also pledged to enact a "Framework Act on Animal Welfare" that would comprehensively cover regulations currently divided across the Animal Protection Act, the Wildlife Act, and the Marine Ecosystem Act, thereby systematizing animal welfare policy.
"As a family member living together with companion animals, it is time to actively consider animal welfare," Jung said.
