A significant majority of South Koreans, nearly 88%, believe that animals should not be classified as mere objects or property. This strong public sentiment has prompted the government to initiate discussions on amending the Civil Act to reflect this view. The Ministry of Justice released the results of a public opinion survey conducted by Korea Gallup, which underscores this widespread belief.
Public Opinion on Animal Status
The survey, conducted via phone interviews from May 22nd to 25th with 1,000 adults nationwide aged 18 and over, revealed that 51.2% of respondents were unaware that animals are currently legally treated as property under the Civil Act, while 48.8% were aware. Despite this lack of awareness, an overwhelming 87.8% expressed the opinion that animals should be legally distinguished from inanimate property, with only 12.2% disagreeing.
There were differing views on the specific scope of animals that require legal distinction from property. Opinions were divided on whether this distinction should apply to all animals, including companion animals, livestock, and wildlife. However, the core sentiment that animals are not simply property remained strong across different groups.
Animal Ownership and Rights
When asked whether owners have the freedom to use or dispose of their animals as they see fit, 55.7% of respondents agreed, while 44.3% disagreed. Notably, even among those who believe owners have such freedom, a substantial 83.8% still felt that a legal distinction between animals and property is necessary.
This strong public consensus has led the Ministry of Justice to schedule a public hearing on October 16th at the Veritas Hall of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The hearing, titled “Public Hearing on the Legal Reclassification of Animals as Non-Property,” aims to gather diverse perspectives on the legal status of animals.
Upcoming Legal Discussions and Reforms
The upcoming hearing will feature presentations and discussions on three key topics:
- The current state and direction of legal reforms related to animals.
- The necessity and significance of amending the Civil Act to classify animals as non-property.
- The treatment of companion animals during the seizure process (e.g., in cases of debt or legal disputes).
This is not the first attempt to address the legal status of animals. In 2021, the Ministry of Justice prepared a draft amendment to the Civil Act that included a provision stating, “Animals are not property.” However, this bill was automatically nullified upon the expiration of the 21st National Assembly’s term without being passed.
Government’s Commitment to Reform
Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon expressed his expectations for the upcoming hearing, stating, “We hope this hearing will serve as a foundation for improving the legal status of animals.” He further emphasized the government’s commitment, adding, “We will do our utmost to ensure that this leads to the legislative enactment of ‘animals as non-property’ through national consensus.”
The push for reclassifying animals from property to a distinct legal status reflects a growing societal awareness of animal welfare and sentience. By acknowledging animals as more than mere commodities, the legal framework aims to better protect their well-being and align with evolving ethical standards. The public hearing is a crucial step in this process, allowing for comprehensive debate and the formulation of a legislative proposal that resonates with the public’s evolving views on animals.
