South Korea's ruling party launched the "Ten Animal Welfare pledges" and won a landslide victory in local elections.

Horiike Hiroshi (Genlin) and National Assembly Member Ms. Han Jung-ae（Taken in Oct 2025 at the Parliament Office in Seoul）

South Korea's local elections were held on June 3rd, with the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) winning a landslide victory. A key reason for this was the high praise and appreciation from voters for the "Ten Animal Welfare Pledges" advocated by Han Jung-ae, the party's policy committee chairperson and the party's third-ranking official. Han Jung-ae is a staunch ally of the World Dog Alliance, and under her leadership, South Korea passed a nationwide "Special Law Banning the Consumption of Dog Meat" on January 9th, 2024.

Key highlights of the "Ten Pledges on Animal Welfare":

I, reduce the medical burden on companion animals (dogs and cats).

II. Strengthen the welfare of stray dogs, cats, and other animals.

III. Severe punishment for animal cruelty

The human population with companion animals in South Korea has exceeded 15 million. With a law banning the consumption of dog meat set to take effect on January 9, 2027, companion animal welfare has long since risen from a "marginal issue" to a "core platform" for political parties seeking votes. This signifies that South Korea is at the forefront of animal welfare legislation and public policy in Asia.

South Korea is striving to become a leading country in animal welfare. The World Dog Alliance (WDA) is pleased with this and believes that South Korea's "Ten Pledges on Animal Welfare" will serve as a model for other Asian countries.