Have you ever seen a dog wandering alone on the street? These are known as “abandoned dogs” — pets that were once cared for but later left behind by their owners.

According to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Service under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, over 121,000 abandoned animals were found in Korea in 2024. About 76 percent were dogs and cats. Sadly, many were euthanized or died of natural causes due to low adoption rates.

Why are so many pets being abandoned?
Sometimes it’s because people move, or because having a pet is more challenging than they expected. In such cases, some owners give up too easily without considering the responsibilities involved.

However, pets are not toys but living creatures with emotions. They can’t speak, but they can feel happiness, fear, and even sadness—just like humans. Before bringing a pet home, you should seriously consider whether you are ready to care for it for its entire life.

Campaigns such as “Adopt, Don’t Shop” are gaining popularity. Many dogs in shelters are waiting for loving families, and more people are choosing to adopt rather than buy pets from stores.

You don’t have to adopt a pet to make a difference—there are many other ways to help. You can talk to your friends about why adoption is important, participate in volunteer programs at local animal shelters, or simply learn more about animal welfare.

The most important thing is to develop a mindset that respects and protects life. Taking full responsibility is the true meaning of loving your pet.

Source: 
Animal Protection Management System, Annual Statistics 2024

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