Lawmakers Propose 'K-Lucy Act' to Close Pet Auction Houses and Ban Puppy Sales Under 6 Months
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
A bill dubbed the 'K-Lucy Act' was introduced by Rep. Wi Seong-gon with animal protection groups to close pet auction houses and tighten pet sales rules. Modeled on the UK 'Lucy Law' (named after a rescued breeding dog), the proposal would ban selling animals younger than six months, prohibit auctions and trading aimed at abandonment, and raise the minimum ages for sales and direct breeder-to-buyer transfers. South Korea has about 1,930 licensed breeders whose puppies are channeled through 18 auction houses; critics say these auctions enable mass production of trendy breeds, laundering of illegally bred animals, and prolonged abuse. Animal advocates cite cases of large-scale unlicensed breeding discovered recently and worry tens of thousands of abandoned pets burden shelters each year. Supporters say the bill is a necessary structural reform to improve animal welfare and aim for passage during the current National Assembly term.
