Incheon's Rising Pet Population Highlights Need for More Facilities and Better Waste Management
In a recent report by the Korea Livestock and Quarantine Agency, Incheon's pet registrations have increased by 7.5%, reaching a total of 210,930. This marks the third consecutive year of growth, following 184,266 in 2021 and 203,777 in 2022. Notably, Incheon ranked fifth among South Korea's 17 largest local governments for the number of newly registered pets in 2023, with 16,950 new registrations.
Despite the rising number of pets, Incheon faces a significant shortfall in pet cemeteries, having only two facilities to accommodate the city's 219,000 pets. The disposal of pet carcasses is currently regulated as household waste, often treated as garbage unless managed through pay-as-you-go bags, veterinary clinics, or legal cremation facilities. This underscores the urgent need for increased investment in essential facilities such as funeral services for pets.
On a national level, South Korea registered 271,000 new pets last year, a 10.4% decrease from the previous year. However, the cumulative number of registered pets rose by 7.6%, totaling 3.286 million. The number of rescued lost and abandoned animals slightly decreased by 0.3%, amounting to 113,000 rescues.
Kim Jung-hee, head of the Korea Animal Health and Quarantine Service, emphasized the growing public interest in animal welfare information, stating, “As the number of pet-owning households increases, interest in animal information is also on the rise. We will actively work to provide the information the public needs through the National Animal Protection Information System.”
Similarly, Kim Jae-hyun, head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Quarantine, reiterated the commitment to improving public access to necessary animal protection information.
As Incheon and other regions in South Korea continue to see an increase in pet populations, the need for adequate facilities and effective waste management systems becomes more pressing. Authorities are urged to address these gaps to ensure the well-being of pets and the satisfaction of pet owners across the nation.
According to the '2023 Pet Protection and Welfare Survey' by the Korea Livestock and Quarantine Agency, Incheon saw a 7.5% increase in pet registrations, reaching 210,930. This marks the third consecutive year of growth. Despite the increase, Incheon faces a shortage of pet cemeteries, with only two facilities for its 219,000 pets. The article highlights the need for more pet facilities and better waste management for pet carcasses. Nationally, South Korea had 3.286 million registered pets, a 7.6% increase from the previous year, with 113,000 rescues of lost and abandoned animals.
FAQs
How many registered pets are there in Incheon?
- As of the latest survey, Incheon has 210,930 registered pets.
Has the number of registered pets in Incheon increased over the years?
- Yes, the number has been increasing for three consecutive years, from 184,266 in 2021 to 203,777 in 2022, and now 210,930.
Are there enough pet cemeteries in Incheon?
- No, Incheon has only two pet cemeteries, which is insufficient for the city's 219,000 pets.
How is pet waste managed in Incheon?
- Pet carcasses are treated as household waste unless disposed of via pay-as-you-go bags, veterinary clinics, or legal cremation facilities.
What is the total number of registered pets in South Korea?
- Nationwide, there are 3.286 million registered pets, a 7.6% increase from the previous year.
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