First Trial for Dog Breeding Facility Operators Accused of Animal Cruelty

On June 18, the Suwon District Court held the first trial for four operators of a dog breeding facility, including former representative A, who are facing charges of violating animal protection laws and veterinary laws. The defendants are accused of performing surgeries on live dogs to extract valuable puppies without a veterinary license between June and July 2023. They also allegedly euthanized 15 elderly dogs infected with diseases using muscle relaxants and administered medications without proper veterinary credentials from May 2022 to August 2023.

Additionally, A is charged with violating building regulations by using an office as an animal breeding facility without the necessary permits and illegally expanding the entrance. The breeding facility reportedly housed over 1,400 dogs in poor conditions, with 15 dogs cramped into spaces of just over 3.3 square meters each.

During the trial, three of the defendants denied most of the allegations. Their lawyer claimed that the dogs were not alive when their abdomens were cut open and argued that the injections given were emergency measures to prevent disease, which could be considered legitimate actions by livestock owners. However, they acknowledged the violation of veterinary laws regarding antibiotic administration and A's building code violations.

The court plans to conduct evidence investigations at the next hearing, scheduled for August 13.

The horrific conditions of the breeding facility were brought to light in September 2023 by an animal rescue organization, which reported finding the bodies of puppies wrapped in newspaper in a freezer, including a mother dog with surgical incisions. Surviving puppies were found in cramped cages with inadequate bedding, and many were in poor health, suffering from severe skin conditions and missing limbs. The organization has since received ownership relinquishment for approximately 1,400 dogs and intends to file charges against the breeding facility for violations of animal protection laws, veterinary laws, and waste management laws.