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| A Rottweiler attacks and kills a Spitz in Eunpyeong-gu, northwestern Seoul, July 25 / Screen capture from Yonhap TV |
By Lee Hyo-jin
Calls are mounting to punish the owner of a Rottweiler after it killed another pet dog, a Spitz, July 25 in Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong District, northwestern Seoul.
A public petition posted on the presidential website, Wednesday, urging strong punishment for the Rottweiler's owner, has gathered more than 28,000 signatures as of 2 p.m., Thursday.
The petitioner, who claimed to be a witness to the incident, stated that the owner has been irresponsible in controlling the fierce dog in the neighborhood.
Surveillance footage showed how the attack occurred in just a few seconds. The unleashed black Rottweiler ran toward the white Spitz walking on the other side of the street. It brutally attacked the small dog while two people, including the Spitz's owner, attempted to restrain the dog.
The Spitz died shortly after the attack. Its owner reportedly suffered minor injuries while trying to protect her dog.
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| A public petition calling for strong punishment of the owner of a Rottweiler that killed another pet dos has gathered more than 28,000 signatures. / Screen capture from Cheong Wa Dae official website |
"This is the fifth time the Rottweiler has attacked or killed another dog. But the owner remains uncaring, leaving the ferocious dog unleashed on the porch," the petitioner said.
They also urged tougher regulations for dog owners to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"The government should require people who want to own fierce breeds to apply for a license. Also, if ferocious dogs are seen in the street without a muzzle, their owner should be fined more than 10 million won ($8,380)."
Under the petition, one user with the id 'kakao-***' left a comment saying, "This should be dealt with properly, otherwise the dog might attack a child in the future."
Another comment read, "We need stronger laws to punish irresponsible dog owners."
A Rottweiler is a German breed, known for its aggressiveness and strong build. A full-grown Rottweiler can weigh up to 60 kilograms.
Under the Animal Protection Law, it is categorized as a "ferocious breed," which must be leashed and muzzled in public areas. Also, its owner should take a mandatory education program given by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
