Photo : YONHAP News
The government has introduced a dedicated hotline for reporting abandoned animals.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said on Tuesday that the new number, 1577-0954, will be launched on Wednesday, allowing anyone to report lost or abandoned animals.
Previously, people had to search for and contact local government offices to file such reports.
Under the new system, call center staff will confirm the location and connect the case to the relevant local authority.
Reports can also be filed 24 hours a day through the Korea Animal Welfare Information System website(www.animal.go.kr), where users can track the status of their report.
The ministry stressed that even if citizens rescue animals themselves, they must follow reporting procedures and transfer the animal to a designated shelter.