Animal abusers and those who abandon pets could soon face harsher punishment, with South Korea planning to amend its civil code to grant animals legal status.
According to data, animal abuse cases in South Korea increased from 69 in 2010 to 914 in 2019.
The amendment, which is likely to be approved by the Parliament in September, would make South Korea one of a handful of countries to recognise animals as beings, with a right to protection, enhanced welfare and respect for life.