Pension Owner Fined After Peacock Attacks Child's Face

A pension owner in Chungju has been fined 3 million won for negligence after a peacock attacked a 6-year-old guest, leaving the child with injuries requiring two weeks of medical care. The incident occurred last August when the peacock, one of several animals including rabbits and parrots kept at the pension for guest interaction, attacked the child's face as they moved from a barbecue area.

The owner, who operated the pension with various animals for 'experiential learning,' admitted to management responsibilities but argued that peacocks are generally docile and that an unknown factor might have provoked the attack. This defense was not accepted by the court.

The court emphasized that animal owners must consider the potential for aggression. It stated that necessary precautions, such as installing warning signs or securing the animals in enclosures, should have been taken, especially when guest safety is a concern. The owner's failure to fulfill these duties was deemed a breach of care.