Amid the flourishing pet market in South Korea, the sale of puppies at discount chain stores has come under intense scrutiny. At E-mart’s Molly’s Pet Shop in Jayang-dong, Seoul, puppies of various breeds are showcased in plastic boxes, attracting customers with their charm. Despite the popularity of these pets, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of proper licensing and record-keeping at these stores.
Under Korean law, selling animals at grocery stores is not prohibited, but regulations require transparency in business operations and the separation of animals based on their health and age. However, animal rights activists argue that the commercialization of pets in such settings is degrading and can lead to impulse purchases.
According to Park So-yeon from an animal rights association, the selling of pets in supermarkets is not a norm in other countries and should be reconsidered. The focus should be on treating pets as integral family members rather than commodities for sale.
Online petitions have surfaced urging authorities to ban the sale of animals at discount chains. The Korean Animal Welfare Association has accused stores like E-mart of neglecting animal welfare laws, citing instances of mistreatment and lack of compliance with regulations.
In response to these allegations, E-mart explained that they are working towards compliance with the revised animal protection laws. The company, led by Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin, has been striving to promote a pet-friendly environment at their establishments, allowing customers to bring their pets to certain locations.
While E-mart is making efforts to enhance animal welfare practices, other chains like Lotte Mart have ceased selling animals in their stores and are advocating for the adoption of abandoned pets. Jeon Kyung-ok from the Korean Society of Animal Welfare Science emphasizes the risks associated with selling pets in commercial settings, especially in terms of disease exposure and stress on animals.
The pet industry in South Korea is a significant market, valued at 2.2 trillion won, with projections indicating substantial growth in the coming years. As more Koreans view pets as companions, the industry is expected to expand further, posing a challenge for retailers to balance business opportunities with ethical considerations.
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding the sale of pets at discount chains, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being and ethical treatment of animals in the rapidly growing pet market of South Korea.
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