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Busan to Implement the “2025 Aggression Assessment for Companion Dogs” for Safety Management

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The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will implement an aggression assessment for designated dangerous dogs in 2025 to enhance safety management and foster a mature pet ownership culture.

○ Following the amendment of the Animal Protection Act on April 27, 2024, the city has introduced and is currently enforcing a Permit System for Raising Dangerous Dogs.

This system mandates that individuals who intend to raise designated dangerous breeds must meet certain criteria and obtain a permit from the mayor or governor.

○ “Dangerous dogs” refer to five breeds defined by the Animal Protection Act: Dosa dogs, Pit Bull Terriers (including American Pit Bull Terriers), American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Rottweilers, as well as their crossbreeds.

< Overview of the Permit System for Raising Dangerous Dogs >

• ●Eligible Breeds: Dosa dogs, Pit Bull Terriers (including American Pit Bull Terriers), American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and their crossbreeds

• ●Application Deadline: Within 30 days of acquiring ownership; existing owners must apply by October 26, 2025

• ●Application Requirements: Submission of documents including proof of pet registration, neutering certificate, liability insurance, and a medical certificate verifying the owner is not mentally ill or addicted to narcotics, to the Pet Animal Division of Busan Metropolitan City

• ●Assessment: The Temperament Evaluation Committee, comprised of experts, evaluates the dog’s behavior and the owner’s ability to control the dog; permits are granted if aggression is deemed low

Applicants must submit the following documents in person:

• ●Pet registration certificate

• ●Neutering certificate

• ●Liability insurance certificate for dangerous dogs

• ●Medical certificate confirming the owner is not a person with a mental illness or substance addiction

The temperament evaluation involves interviews and on-site assessments conducted by a committee of experts. Dogs assessed as having low aggression will be approved for ownership.

○ The evaluation fee is KRW 250,000 per dog (paid by the owner). All other related costs are covered by the city.

○ Evaluations are based on 12 scenarios including situations that may trigger fear or surprise (e.g., encountering other dogs or people, sudden noises), focusing on the dog’s reactions and owner interaction.

Failure to obtain a permit will result in penalties of up to one year in prison or a fine of up to KRW 10 million.

○ A grace period is currently in place to allow for smooth implementation. Existing owners must obtain a permit by October 26, 2025.

Ahn Cheol-soo, Director of Busan’s Green City Bureau, stated, “We ask for the active cooperation of dangerous dog owners in the successful implementation of this system, which aims to ensure a safe living environment for both people and animals.”

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Appendix: Permit System for Raising Dangerous Dogs – Overview

• ●Purpose: In response to the growing number of pet-owning households and increasing incidents such as dog bites, the system aims to enhance safety through the amended Animal Protection Act.

• ●Eligible Applicants: Individuals residing in Busan who fall under the following:

• ○Acquired ownership of a designated dangerous dog within the last 30 days

• ○Currently own a designated dangerous dog

• ●Application Method: In-person submission (Weekdays 09:00–18:00, excluding holidays)

• ●Submission Address: Animal Welfare Team, Pet Animal Division, 24F, Busan Metropolitan City Hall, 1001 Jungang-daero, Yeonje-gu ☎ 051-888-5004

• ●Documents Required (per dog): Application form, pet registration certificate, liability insurance, neutering certificate (or valid veterinary waiver), medical certificate, consent forms, and pre-evaluation documents

• ●Temperament Evaluation:

• ○Cost: KRW 250,000 per dog (retest incurs separate fee)

• ○Location: Jisanhak Pet Park, Silla University (140 Baegyang-daero 700beon-gil, Sasang-gu)

• ○Schedule: Set individually by phone

• ○Presence: The owner must attend; in special cases, a family member may attend with authorization documents

• ●Consequences for Non-compliance:

• ○Up to 1 year imprisonment or a KRW 10 million fine (per Article 97 of the Animal Protection Act)

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Permit Procedure:

• 1.Pet registration, liability insurance, and neutering

• 2.Submit application and documents

• 3.Undergo temperament evaluation (based on 5 areas and 12 evaluation items)

• 4.Permit issued if aggression is low / denied or retest required if aggression is high