Animal Protection Act Strengthens Sentencing Standards...up to three years in prison

Measures will be implemented to strengthen sentencing standards so that up to three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won can be recommended for habitually harming several animals.

The Supreme Court's sentencing committee said it has deliberated on a new recommended sentence for sentencing crimes violating the Animal Protection Act.

According to the sentencing committee's recommended sentence range, killing animals can be sentenced to four months to one year in prison, and two to 10 months in prison for causing pain or injury.

However, if it targets unspecified or multiple victims or commits crimes repeatedly over a considerable period of time, imprisonment can be up to three years, and a fine of up to 30 million won can be sentenced.

The sentencing committee said it has set the recommended sentence range by comprehensively considering the public's interest and perception of animal welfare and animal life rights.

The contents discussed at this meeting are expected to be finalized after going through a process of collecting resolutions such as public hearings.