040226-N-4142G-043 Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Republic of the Philippines (RP) Feb. 26, 2004 - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. John Bell and his canine partner "Bojar,? assigned to the 4th Protection K9 unit, meet with local children during security rounds at a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) site participating in Exercise Balikatan 2004. MEDCAPs are staffed by the medical doctors, dentists, nurses and veterinarians from both the RP and U.S. Armed Forces and provide much needed medical and dental services to the residents of eight Barangays; Mandaragat, San Miguel, Model, Milagrosa, Sta. Lourdes, Irawan, Luzviminda and Tiniguiban. Minor surgeries, tooth extraction and medicines of various sorts are also distributed among the Barangay beneficiaries. This exercise is only one of a number of on-going activities between Philippine and U.S. military security cooperation initiatives. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 2nd Class Felix Garza Jr. (RELEASED)
North Korea bans keeping dogs as pets
North Koreans face a stark prohibition on the ownership of dogs as pets, except when they are destined for consumption or fur.
This decree was relayed through the Socialist Women’s Union of Korea, as disclosed by a source within South Pyongan Province, situated north of the capital.
In an interview with the South Korean newspaper Daily NK, the source outlined behaviors deemed incompatible with the socialist ideology, including treating dogs as members of the family who share living spaces and amenities.
North Korea bans keeping dogs as pets
Additionally, adorning dogs with clothing, a practice observed among Western celebrities like Paris Hilton, was condemned as emblematic of bourgeois excess.
The source elaborated on the regime’s perspective, depicting dogs primarily as livestock raised for eventual consumption. Accordingly, behaviors associated with treating dogs as companions or engaging in extravagant funeral rituals were characterized as unorthodox and antithetical to socialist principles.
The regime underscored the utilitarian function of raising dogs, emphasizing the collection of fur as a primary objective. The surge in dog ownership, described pejoratively by authorities as reminiscent of bourgeois influence, prompted the issuance of this new directive.
While citizens were encouraged to resolve the matter discreetly, failure to comply could trigger a collective effort to eradicate the practice entirely. Union members were cautioned that the tradition of pet ownership must gradually fade away.
One distraught dog owner, as recounted by Daily NK, expressed anguish over the predicament, torn between affection for her pet and adherence to state mandates.
Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK), criticized the decree as absurd, highlighting the regime’s tendency to criminalize commonplace behaviors.
According to the source from South Pyongan, the emergence of pet ownership in North Korea began modestly in the early 2000s, primarily with the keeping of guard dogs.
However, the trend has since expanded, with an influx of foreign breeds such as Pomeranians and Shih Tzus, previously rare in the region, becoming more prevalent.
North Korea bans keeping dogs as pets
