Seoul to mandate temperament tests for dogs to curb biting accidents

SEOUL, July 23 (AJU PRESS) - To prevent dog-biting accidents that could sometimes lead to fatalities, a temperament test to access the aggressiveness of man's four-legged best friends will become mandatory next week, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday.

Depending on the test results, the city government may enforce euthanasia for dogs deemed to have dangerous levels of aggression.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, over 2,000 dog-biting accidents annually occur in Korea, but the actual number of dog-biting incidents is estimated to be much higher including those that go unreported.

Korea currently designates five dog breeds -- American Staffordshire Terriers, Pitbull Terriers, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Tosa Inu -- along with their mixes as potentially dangerous dogs. Under the relevant law, pet owners of these dog breeds over six months old are required to have their dogs undergo a temperament test by this fall to obtain a permit.

The city government formed a task force consisting of certified veterinary behaviorists and pet specialists to conduct such tests on some 179 dogs currently registered in the city with an aim to complete by Oct. 26.

The city government has already earmarked for 100 million won ($72,181) for the assessments. Each test will cost 250,000 won, with any additional fees covered by the city government. If a dog is found to be too aggressive, it will be given a second chance for another test.

Dogs that fail the test a second time will either be sent to separate shelters or euthanized. Pet owners who refuse to have their dogs tested will face a fine of up to 3 million won.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com

Seoul to mandate temperament tests for dogs to curb biting accidents

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