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Not born to be wild, abandoned dogs return in roving feral packs

Published: 29 Oct. 2024, 17:39

KIM MIN-YOUNG
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A pack of wild dogs loiter in Incheon Grand Park. [INCHEON METROPOLITAN CITY]

Abandoned pets are turning feral, with packs of wild dogs forming and terrorizing people across the country.

A man in his 60s was attacked by two wild dogs while walking in an apartment complex in Dongnae District, Busan, on Aug. 10. The man managed to escape by running indoors after being bitten on the elbow and sustaining other injuries.

A man in his 20s was bitten on the face by a wild dog while walking in the Busan Citizens Park in Busanjin District in January. The attack by a 50-centimeter-long (19.7-inch-long), medium-sized mixed breed left the man with a wound requiring 50 stitches.

On Tuesday, Busan Metropolitan Government and the Busan Metropolitan City Fire and Disaster Headquarters reported that both men were walking their own dogs when they were attacked.

The man in his 20s was giving treats to both his dog and the wild dog, and he was bitten when he tried to stop the wild dog from taking his pet's treat.

According to city records, there have been 310 wild dog sightings reported in Busan this year, with 210 captured. The number of captured wild dogs has been steadily rising, from 331 in 2022 to 377 last year.

Screen capture of SBS news reporting the story of two wild dogs that attacked a man in his 60s in Busan. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Sightings across the country

Busan is not the only region suffering from the scourge of wild dogs.

In Seoul, authorities intensified capture efforts in February after reports of wild dogs threatening pedestrians on the Seoul National University campus in Gwanak District, southern Seoul. Between February and September of this year, 210 wild dog sightings were reported in the capital, with 178 captured. The count of captured dogs increased from 121 in 2019 to 202 last year.

Wild dogs have posed a threat to people all across the country. Sightings have surged in Ganwoljae — famous for its silver grass fields — in Ulsan, prompting local authorities to initiate capture efforts. Over 30 dogs have been captured this month alone.

In Jinju, South Gyeongsang, a pack of wild dogs attacked a goat farm in April. Reports of wild dogs wandering through farms and urban areas continue to flood into the city government and various neighborhood centers, with two to three calls daily. In Gwangju, local authorities are also working hard to capture wild dog packs appearing around areas like Mount Eodeung.

Capture operations are outsourced to professional contractors by local governments, which typically pay between 140,000 to 200,000 won ($101 to $144) per dog captured.

Direct harm against wild dogs through the use of firearms or tranquilizers is prohibited by the Animal Protection Act. Captures involve setting up traps along frequently used paths with bait inside to lure the animals. Captured dogs are held for 10 days, during which those with owners can be claimed; if not, they are either rehomed or euthanized.

Wild dogs prowl in the mountainous regions of Jeju. [NEWS1]

Forsaken pets turn feral

According to local government authorities, the wild dog problem in urban areas has been escalating for about a decade, mainly due to abandoned pets turning feral over the years.

Abandoned pets, particularly during urban development projects, often form packs in forested areas and gradually become feral. Municipalities near mountainous regions are reportedly struggling the most to address wild dog issues.

“Farmers often tie up dogs in the yard, which end up mating with wild dogs,” Shim In-seop, head of the animal welfare group LIFE. “Their offspring become wild dogs, creating a recurring problem. Neutering these yard dogs is essential.”

“Increasing pet registration rates can also prevent abandoned dogs from turning wild,” added Shim.

“Wild dogs that have been feral for generations differ from stray cats or abandoned pets,” Shim went on. “Even if they are small, they can be aggressive. Approaching or trying to touch them can lead to attacks.”

BY KIM MIN-JU, KIM MIN-YOUNG [[email protected]]