South Korea to require permits for owning 'aggressive' dogs

The policy, to go into effect starting April 27, will require owners of five dog breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Japanese Mastiff and Rottweiler, to have permits for raising the dogs from either municipal or provincial authorities, the Korea Herald reported.

Dogs not of the aforementioned five breeds, but have caused "substantial injuries to a human or another animal", can also be classified as "aggressive" and be required permits, the paper added.

Authorities will evaluate individual dogs to see if they are fit for ownership. People who have already owned dogs of the aforementioned five breeds will need to have their permits within six months after the policy takes effect.

People who want to own "aggressive" dogs will also need to neuter their dogs and subscribe to insurance policies.

"Aggressive" dogs are not allowed outside of their homes without their owners, leashes and muzzles. They also cannot enter children’s facilities, including primary schools, in accordance with South Korean regulations.

The country’s National Fire Agency reported at least 2,000 cases of dogs attacking people every year from 2018 to 2022.

In Vietnam, several major cities, including Hanoi, HCMC and Da Nang, have set up dog squads to catch stray dogs wandering around public spaces. A Hanoi rabies prevention plan stated that pets going out must be leashed and muzzled, and owners will have to pay should their pets be captured, culled or if they hurt others.

Several dog attacks have also been reported in Vietnam, resulting in either minor injuries or in some cases, death. The incidents have prompted the public to call for bans on raising aggressive dogs like pit bulls in residental areas.