SEOUL – South Korea’s Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministry today said owners of “fierce” dogs are obligated to have insurance packages starting next month.
The measure will go into effect on February 12, said the ministry, according to the Yonhap news agency.
The move is aimed at ensuring victims of incidents related to these animals promptly receive compensation.
The country categorises Tosas, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, rottweilers and related mixed breeds as aggressive.
The insurance packages will compensate victims up to 80 million won (RM292,966) for deaths or permanent injuries caused by these dogs.
The annual insurance fee is estimated at 15,000 won per canine.
Those who fail to comply with the new regulation face a fine of up to three million won.
In 2019, South Korea rolled out measures to better protect people from aggressive dogs.
Owners of dogs that have caused deaths due to a failure to heed the rules, such as not keeping their pets on a leash or muzzling them, face a jail term of up to three years or a fine of 30 million won. – Bernama, January 25, 2021
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