Seoul Mayor Urges Lifelong Responsibility for Pets at Animal Welfare Festival
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon called on pet owners to care for companion animals throughout their lives as the capital opened a two-day welfare festival featuring adoption, health and education programs.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon urged residents to treat companion animals as lifelong family members as the capital opened its third annual animal welfare festival at Yeouido Hangang Park on Saturday.
Speaking at the opening of the two-day Seoul Animal Protection Day event, also known as the Animal Happiness Festa, Oh said the growing number of people sharing their lives with pets had brought greater happiness but also highlighted persistent problems involving abandoned animals. He called on owners to accept responsibility for their animals through every stage of their lives.
The event is being held through Sunday at the park’s Mulbit Stage plaza. Its programs combine recreation with practical support and public education. Participants can join a run with leashed dogs, attend adoption events for abandoned animals, receive veterinary health consultations and take part in activities designed to improve understanding of animal welfare.
The festival also includes pet registration campaigns and behavioral activities for dogs. Educational booths broaden the focus beyond household pets by addressing the welfare of farm animals and wildlife. Organizers are using the event to connect prospective adopters with animals while giving current owners access to advice on health, behavior and responsible care.
Oh said Seoul has gradually made public life more accessible for people with companion animals by revising relevant rules and expanding facilities such as dog parks. At the same time, the city is strengthening services for animals that have been abandoned or otherwise need protection.
Seoul currently operates three municipal animal welfare support centers. The city plans to add another center in Gangdong-gu, extending its support network across more of the capital. The centers form part of the municipal response to abandonment and provide infrastructure for protection and welfare programs.
During the opening ceremony, five residents received mayoral commendations for contributions to animal protection and welfare. Oh also joined participants in the dog run, one of the festival’s most visible activities.
The weekend event reflects Seoul’s attempt to pair a more pet-friendly urban environment with clearer expectations for owners. By placing adoption, registration, health guidance and welfare education in one public program, the city is emphasizing that access to shared spaces should be accompanied by sustained care and responsible ownership.