Animals Recognized as Living Beings
In April, a big step was taken to protect the rights of pet dogs and cats in Korea. The members of the National Assembly* recently made an agreement to legally redefine the status of animals in the nation.Previously, cats, dogs, and other animals were seen as only objects and properties in the eyes of the law. Because of this, when people were caught abandoning or abusing pet animals, their light punishment often did not fit the crime.The new amendment will change this situation. Under the new law, animals will be given the status of “sentient beings,” and not objects or properties. Therefore, perpetrators of animal abuse and abandonment can expect to be suitably punished in the future.The proposal to define animals as living beings was first made in 2021. Then, the lawmakers recently agreed to go ahead and begin the process to change the legal status of animals.The recent amendment to the law reflects the increasing importance of pet animals in Korean society. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs,* around one-third of Korean households are currently raising pets. Also, 25 percent of Korean adults say that they are either a pet owner now or have been one in the pastAnimal rights activists hailed the government’s recent decision to legally define animals as sentient beings. They say it could help to change the public’s perspectives and further promote the proper treatment of animals. Besides Korea, approximately 35 countries around the world give this same status to animals. Spain and the United Kingdom are some of the countries that have done so in the past several years.
Questions:1. What was the previous legal status of animals in Korea?2. Why did animal rights activists hail the government's decision to legally define animals as sentient beings?3. How many Korean households are currently raising pets?4. Which countries have given the same legal status to animals as Korea?5. Do you think the legal status of animals in your country should be changed to "sentient beings"? Why or why not? In your opinion, what are some other ways to promote proper treatment of animals besides changing their legal status?
