“Cats typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, with some living up to 20 years or more. However, the average life expectancy of a stray or feral cat is only 3 to 5 years due to various factors such as road accidents, human cruelty, malnutrition, illnesses, and injuries from territorial conflicts.
Stray (or Street) cats often rely on consuming human waste as a source of food, which can have high levels of salt that are detrimental to their health. Additionally, access to clean water is limited, especially during the winter months when water sources freeze, making it more challenging for them to survive and increasing the risk of contracting diseases. (Image credit: Kobiz Media)”
The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs has announced an ambitious 5 year animal welfare plan aimed at strengthening protections for pets and improving overall animal care.
Set to take effect in 2027, the plan includes banning convicted animal abusers from owning pets, increasing fines for abandonment to 5 million won, expanding the definition of abandonment, and mandating nationwide dog registration using biometric data. The reforms also introduce specialized veterinary practices, advanced pet hospitals, and initiatives to manage stray cat populations through neutering programs and social consultative bodies.
Educational programs will be expanded to high schools, and prospective pet owners will be required to complete mandatory adoption education.
Pet related businesses will face stricter management standards, licensing requirements, and enhanced traceability to prevent illegal trade.
Additional measures include facility upgrades at local animal centers, regulation of mobile pet services and pet funerals, and support for the development of pet-related industries, all with the goal of reducing abandoned and lost animals from 113,000 in 2023 to 60,000 by 2029.
*Whiskers, Paws and Love® wholeheartedly supports South Korea’s comprehensive approach to animal welfare and applauds the emphasis on education, responsibility, and advanced care. We believe that these measures will significantly improve the lives of countless animals while fostering a culture of compassion and accountability and we stand ready to advocate for similar initiatives worldwide and celebrate this important step toward a safer, more humane future for all animals.
