A South Korean dog owner faces prison time after his unleashed Greyhound collided with an electric bicycle, leading to the rider’s death on a popular bike path.
Incident Details Emerge
On May 24, 2024, a resident of Jinan walked his two-year-old Greyhound along the Jungnangcheon bike path in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province. Without securing a leash or taking safety precautions, the dog bolted toward a passing electric bicycle ridden by a man in his 50s.
The collision caused the cyclist to fall and suffer a severe head injury. He was rushed to an intensive care unit but succumbed to his injuries. The victim, a former labor union chairman, prompted his employer to handle compensation efforts.
Court Delivers Prison Sentence
The Uijeongbu District Court sentenced the dog owner to one year and 10 months in prison for violating the Animal Protection Act. Presiding Judge Kim Joon-young announced the ruling, emphasizing strict liability for pet owners.
The bench stated, “Owners of registered animals must use leashes and other safety measures during outings to prevent harm.” It added, “The defendant failed to comply, forcing the victim’s company to provide compensation.”
Aggravating Factors Cited
Judges highlighted the owner’s post-accident behavior, noting he chased the fleeing dog instead of aiding the injured cyclist. The court also considered his lack of cooperation with the bereaved family, who demanded a harsh penalty, and absence of remorse or victim support.
“Even immediately after the crash, the defendant provided no assistance to the victim and instead pursued the escaping dog,” the ruling explained. “He could not reach a settlement with the family, who seek severe punishment—a factor weighed in the sentence.”
