Animal Protection and the Pet Industry: A Path to Coexistence in Korea?

At the recent Animal Care Expo in Pittsburgh, a significant international gathering focused on animal welfare, I was struck by the harmonious integration of animal protection efforts with burgeoning industry growth. This event, organized by Humane World for Animals, has evolved from a niche educational forum into a major international conference, drawing thousands of participants from government, academia, industry, and non-profit sectors.

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The most impressive aspect was that animal protection and industry were not necessarily seen as opposing forces.

What was particularly impressive was the absence of an adversarial relationship between animal welfare advocates and commercial enterprises. Companies specializing in pet food, veterinary care, behavioral training, and even information technology actively showcased products and services designed to enhance the well-being of animals in shelters and promote adoption. The exhibition floor was dominated by innovations aimed at improving shelter animal health, facilitating adoptions, and optimizing shelter operations through data management and technology. This demonstrates a powerful synergy where industrial advancement directly supports animal welfare, and growing societal concern for animals, in turn, opens new avenues for businesses.

In stark contrast, the situation in Korea often presents animal protection and the pet industry as opposing forces. Repeated incidents of animal abuse in breeding facilities, pet shops, and interactive exhibits have fostered widespread public distrust towards the industry. While the growth of the pet market is recognized as an opportunity, issues like the increasing number of abandoned animals and overwhelmed shelters receive comparatively less attention. Despite overflowing shelters, impulse purchases and subsequent abandonments persist, with new industries even emerging to profit from taking in surrendered pets. Some industry players continue to advocate for increased animal production, citing market vitalization, which further exacerbates the conflict. Consequently, a public forum for citizens, government, and businesses to collectively discuss reducing abandoned animals and promoting responsible pet ownership is sorely lacking.

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In Korea, animal protection and the pet industry are still often perceived as conflicting.

The expo also highlighted a compelling case study from Cabot, Arkansas, where city officials presented how strengthening animal protection policies positively impacted their community and economy. By shifting from a complaint-driven administrative approach to prioritizing animal welfare services, including improving shelter facilities and implementing mobile spay/neuter programs, the city saw a 68% reduction in shelter intake. This led to decreased euthanasia rates and increased public trust in city policies. Furthermore, the development around the animal shelter spurred commercial activity, and the city even attracted a veterinary college, generating significant economic benefits. This serves as a powerful example that animal protection and industry growth need not be a zero-sum game.

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The city saw a 68% reduction in shelter intake... euthanasia rates decreased, and public trust in city policies increased.

As local elections approach in Korea, candidates are quick to propose 'animal pledges.' While these are becoming more diverse, many still focus on promoting the pet industry and expanding infrastructure. Developing pet theme parks and tourism facilities can be valuable, but a society that views animals solely as commodities for consumption and growth will inevitably face escalating conflicts, and its related industries will struggle for sustainability. It is time to shift the policy design from 'how many animals are kept' to 'can society responsibly care for animals.' Only by building a social foundation where companion animals are respected and cared for until the end of their lives can we achieve the coexistence of animal protection and industrial growth.

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It is time to shift the policy design from 'how many animals are kept' to 'can society responsibly care for animals.'