By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
A minor party lawmaker submitted to the National Assembly Sunday a bill calling for tougher actions against abusers of animals.
Rep. Cho Seung-soo of the minor New Progressive Party proposed legislation aimed at doubling the related penalty to 10 million won or a jail term of one year or less for those who physically harm animals.
Cho said he proposed the bill due to growing calls for protective measures for animals and pets from NGOs.
Last November, the Korean Alliance for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggested that the National Assembly should criminalize the abuse of animals.