Tighter rules for meat processors

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said Monday it would strengthen hygiene rules for meat production.

The agricultural ministry said slaughterhouses and meat processing factories that fail to meet sanitary standards would face tougher punishment, which may include cancellation of business licenses. Under existing rules, those firms are only subject to fine up to 300,000 won ($235) if they are found in violation of sanitary rules.

The ministry also plans to introduce rules for butchering animals that are not considered livestock under the law, such as ostriches, so that animals can be examined for edibility.

(Once again, dogs and cats are not considered as livestock under the law. We wonder if they will get around to inspecting Moran market? Call us pessimists, but...... -ITD)

Seoul Launches Website to Locate Stray Pets

A website for helping owners find their lost pets was launched early this month by the Seoul city government at http://animals.seoul.go.kr, which offers a listing and locating service for those who have lost cats and dogs. Before launching the service, each ward office had to take care of lost or stray pets in their district, which caused inconvenience for pet owners who had to visit each and every ward office to look for their stray pets.

The website currently runs information on a limited number of ward offices in Seoul including Seocho-gu and Jung-gu, but is planning to expand the service to all 25 ward offices in the metropolitan area.

The Korea Animal Protection Society (KAPS), Cyber Police Agency and Five Cats corp. have already provided similar services online at koreananimals.or.kr, www.police.go.kr, and www.fivecats.com, but were unable to access information from ward offices.
(Wonder why.... -ITD)