Dog trainer Kang faces legal scrutiny over euthanasia of retired police dog

Kang Hyung-wook, the CEO of Bodeum Company and a renowned dog trainer, has come under fire for allegedly violating veterinary laws by euthanizing his pet dog, Leo, at his company's premises. According to Korean law, euthanasia involving drugs must be conducted in a veterinary clinic.

Kang responded to the controversy on Friday and Sunday through his YouTube channel, "Kang Hyung-wook's Bodeum TV," and in media interviews.

He explained the circumstances surrounding Leo's death, denying accusations that the dog was abandoned on the rooftop of the campus in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, before being euthanized.

Leo, a retired police dog, had been under Kang's care since 2019. He died in November 2022 after his health deteriorated.

"Leo's condition was beyond treatment; he would urinate with each breath and defecate with minimal movement," Kang said. "He was old and couldn't stand up. We decided to take care of him at the company, cleaning him every morning. Eventually, we realized euthanasia was the kindest option. I asked a veterinarian to come to our company to perform the procedure, and our staff said their goodbyes to Leo."

Kang's explanation, however, has sparked a debate over the legality of "house-call euthanasia." Korean law mandates that the use of controlled substances for euthanasia must be reported to the Narcotics Information Management System.

It remains unclear whether the veterinarian who administered Leo's euthanasia complied with this requirement.

The Korean Veterinary Medical Association's guidelines, established in September 2020, recommend that animal treatment should primarily occur within veterinary clinics to ensure proper response to emergencies and address public health concerns, including medical waste disposal.

Failure to report or delay in reporting the use of controlled substances can result in up to 15 days of suspension from veterinary practice. Additionally, if the administration of these substances is not recorded in medical charts, practitioners face up to six months of suspension for a first offense.

The case has ignited a broader discussion on the ethical and legal aspects of pet euthanasia in Korea, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of existing regulations to ensure animal welfare and public safety.

Kang is currently facing intense criticism for allegations of employee mistreatment at his private dog training business, raising suspicions due to his prolonged silence on the matter. He rose to fame through EBS TV's "There Are No Bad Dogs in the World" (2015-18) and gained further popularity, earning the nickname "dog president" with his regular appearances on KBS' "Dog is Great" since late 2019.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.

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