Illegal traps have been increasingly appearing in urban areas in South Korea, putting both animals and humans in danger. Just recently, a foreigner’s dog was caught in a wire trap set up along the Tancheon promenade in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, while another trap was also discovered in the same area. It took a total of 119 rescuers to free the dog, which was found with its legs covered in blood. The purpose of the trap and who set it still remain unknown.
The Wildlife Act strictly prohibits the possession and sale of tools for capturing wildlife, however, it is still relatively easy to obtain such traps from online shopping malls and hardware stores. Adding to the difficulty of the situation, the absence of closed-circuit TV around the promenade makes it even harder for police to investigate the matter.
The incident has caused great distress to animal rights activists, who have called for more severe punishments for those caught setting illegal traps. They have also asked for more stringent regulation of online shopping malls and hardware stores that sell such items, as well as for improved surveillance of public areas to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. In addition, they urge people to be more aware of their surroundings when out and about and to report any suspicious activities to the police.
Animal experts have found an increase in the number of traps found in promenades and parks, leading to speculation that they may be being used for animal abuse purposes, such as trapping stray cats. Unfortunately, these illegal hunting tools have caused a great deal of destruction, and it is becoming increasingly necessary to take urgent countermeasures to address the problem. To this end, local authorities have been encouraged to take action to prevent the use of snares and traps and to ensure that those who do use them are prosecuted according to the law. Animal welfare organisations have also been campaigning for tougher regulations, such as introducing fines for those caught using these tools. Ultimately, it is hoped that through a combination of public education and increased enforcement, the use of illegal hunting tools will be significantly reduced, and that animals will be better protected from harm.