Yongin Special City is making significant strides in animal welfare, implementing a comprehensive plan designed to improve the lives of companion animals and reduce the number of abandoned pets. The city’s commitment to animal welfare has been recognized with the highest score in Gyeonggi Province’s 2024 Animal Welfare Level Survey, highlighting its proactive approach to animal care and protection. This initiative underscores a growing trend in South Korea towards prioritizing animal rights and responsible pet ownership.
The city’s efforts are multifaceted, encompassing improvements to animal shelter conditions, increased support for pet owners, and innovative programs aimed at reducing animal abandonment. A key component of this plan is the “Visiting Veterinary Service Support Project,” a fresh initiative that will provide veterinary care to elderly residents aged 70 and over, as well as socially disadvantaged individuals, bringing healthcare directly to those who may have difficulty accessing traditional veterinary services. This project aims to ensure that all pet owners, regardless of their circumstances, can provide adequate medical care for their animals. Yongin’s dedication to animal welfare is evident in its consistently high adoption rates and low euthanasia rates, setting a benchmark for other cities in the region.
Yongin’s Animal Welfare Initiatives: A Closer Appear
The Gyeonggi Province’s 2024 Animal Welfare Level Survey, conducted from June 2024 to April 2025 by Gyeonggi Province and the Animal Happiness Research Institute at Konkuk University, evaluated 31 cities and counties within the province. The survey assessed animal welfare levels based on environmental factors and animal-based indicators. Yongin Special City excelled in the environmental factors category, receiving a score of 2.96 out of 3 for animal welfare policy satisfaction – significantly higher than the provincial average of 2.56. The city also ranked second highest in the province for animal-related ordinances, policies, and cultural activities. NewsPet.co.kr reports that Yongin’s animal shelter received a perfect score in its operational assessment.
One of the most impressive achievements highlighted in the survey is Yongin’s animal adoption rate, which stands at 82% – the highest in the nation, compared to a national average of 39%. The euthanasia rate for dogs (excluding cats) is a remarkably low 2%, significantly below the national average of 19%. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of Yongin’s proactive approach to animal welfare, focusing on rehoming and providing comprehensive care for animals in need. Daum.net notes that Yongin City is emerging as a leading animal welfare city in the country.
Focus on Reducing Abandonment and Promoting Adoption
Yongin’s success isn’t solely based on shelter conditions and adoption rates. The city is actively working to prevent animal abandonment through public awareness campaigns and support programs for pet owners. The “Visiting Veterinary Service Support Project” is a direct response to the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in providing adequate veterinary care, a key factor in preventing abandonment. The city is also planning to appoint the nation’s first animal adoption promotion ambassador in April, further raising awareness and encouraging adoption. MetroSeoul.co.kr details these initiatives, emphasizing the city’s commitment to a holistic approach to animal welfare.
Mayor 이상일 (Lee Sang-il) of Yongin Special City expressed his satisfaction with the survey results, stating that the city’s consistent efforts, in collaboration with its citizens, have been instrumental in achieving this recognition. He affirmed the city’s continued dedication to improving animal welfare and announced plans to further enhance programs and initiatives in the future. A Naver blog post highlights the Mayor’s commitment to these ongoing efforts.
Looking ahead, Yongin City is poised to continue its leadership role in animal welfare, serving as a model for other municipalities in South Korea. The city’s commitment to comprehensive care, proactive prevention measures, and community engagement will undoubtedly contribute to a brighter future for animals in Yongin and beyond. The ongoing success of these initiatives will depend on continued collaboration between the city government, animal welfare organizations, and the community as a whole.
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