The Ultimate Guide to Reporting Suspected Animal Abuse or Abandonment

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ll walk you through exactly where and how to report suspected animal abuse or abandonment, step by step—from gathering evidence to the procedures that follow your report.

What Is Reporting Suspected Animal Abuse or Abandonment?

A guardian who witnesses signs of abuse and gathers evidence

Anyone can report suspected animal abuse or abandonment to the relevant authorities under the Animal Protection Act. Prompt reporting is key. Because evidence of abuse can disappear and the animal’s condition can worsen over time, it is most important to report immediately upon witnessing such incidents by calling 112 (police) or 120 (local government), or by using the Animal Protection Management System (animal.go.kr). Anonymous reports are accepted, and good-faith reports that are not false will not result in penalties.

Where Should You Report?

The appropriate reporting channel depends on the situation. If you witness animal abuse or encounter a life-threatening emergency, calling 112 (the police) is the fastest option. For cases requiring administrative handling by local authorities, contact 120 (such as Dasan Call or other municipal call centers) or the animal protection department of your local city, county, or district office. Online reports can be submitted through the Animal Protection Management System (animal.go.kr), operated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, which makes it easy to attach photos and videos. If you find a stray animal, first contact your local animal protection center or call 120.

Reporting Channels by Situation at a Glance

Item	112 (Police)	120 (Local Government)	animal.go.kr
Emergency Abuse Scene	True	False	False
Discovery of Abandoned Animal	False	True	True
Attaching Evidence Photos/Videos	False	False	True
Anonymous Reporting	True	True	True
24-Hour Intake	True	False	True
On-Site Dispatch	Immediate	Staff assignment	Transfer to jurisdiction

For life-threatening situations, always call 112 first; afterward, supplementing with evidence submitted to animal.go.kr is an effective approach.

Checklist for Signs of Suspected Abuse

Veterinary forensic textbooks outline signs that raise suspicion of abuse (non-accidental injury) and neglect: - Multiple fractures: Fractures in different stages of healing are present simultaneously. - Non-accidental injuries: Unnatural injuries, such as transverse fractures, that cannot be explained by an accident. - Inconsistent statements or circumstances: The owner’s account of the incident changes repeatedly, or their behavior seems suspicious. - Evidence of domestic violence: Signs of violence or suspicious situations within the household. - Neglect: Severe malnutrition, dehydration, or poor hygiene due to inadequate care. - Poor living conditions: The animal is primarily confined to a small indoor space or tied up for extended periods. If any of these signs are clearly present, professional assessment is necessary. Document the situation with photos and records, and consider reporting it.

Pets showing signs of suspected neglect or abuse

Situations Requiring an Immediate Call to 112

The following situations are life-threatening and require an immediate emergency call to 112: if you directly witness animal abuse or beating, find an animal that is bleeding or unable to move, encounter an animal left exposed to extreme heat or cold for an extended period, observe an animal weakened by starvation, or discover an animal confined in a vehicle or enclosed space. In these cases, not only is the Animal Protection Act being violated, but the animal also qualifies for emergency rescue, and calling the police ensures the fastest response.

How to Gather Evidence

Gathering evidence within your means before reporting can significantly increase the chances of successful prosecution and rescue. Take photos and videos using a smartphone that automatically records the date and time, and if possible, capture multiple angles and repeat the recording. Record location details as specifically as possible, including the address, building name, and nearby landmarks. Securing witness statements is also important; if there are multiple witnesses, it’s helpful to collect each person’s contact information. Avoid filming if it puts your safety at risk, and steer clear of direct confrontation with the perpetrator.

Filming evidence of abuse from a safe distance

Be Sure to Know About Reporter Protection Measures

Under Article 16 of the Animal Protection Act, the reporter’s identity is kept strictly confidential, and you are protected from any retaliation or disadvantage as a result of filing a report. Anonymous reports are accepted, and if you report in good faith, you will not face penalties even if the investigation ultimately finds no abuse occurred. If you feel uneasy because the alleged abuser is someone you know or a neighbor, using the online reporting system at animal.go.kr is the most psychologically safe option.

What Procedures Follow After a Report Is Filed?

Once a report is filed, local police or animal protection officers will investigate the scene. If abuse is confirmed, the animal will be placed in protective isolation and, if necessary, transferred to an animal protection center for veterinary treatment. The perpetrator may face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to $21,000 (in cases of death or injury) under the Animal Protection Act. In cases of abandonment, the fine is up to $2,000. Reporters will receive partial updates on the case progress and may be required to provide testimony in court.

What If You Find a Stray Animal?

When you find a stray animal, the first priority is ensuring safety. If the animal appears aggressive or injured, avoid approaching it forcefully and instead contact emergency services (120) or your local animal protection center. If it’s safe to approach, check for a collar, ID tag, or microchip. Veterinary clinics can scan for microchips, and if the animal is registered, the owner will be notified. If there’s no ID tag or microchip, hand the animal over to your local animal protection center and request that it be listed on the Lost and Found Animals website (animal.go.kr). If you choose to provide temporary shelter, you are legally required to report this within 10 days.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

I suspect my neighbor’s dog is being abused, but I’m not entirely sure. Should I report it?

Good-faith reports are not penalized. Even if you're unsure, if you notice signs of abuse, you can report them with photos at animal.go.kr, and investigators will assess the situation. False accusation charges only apply when someone intentionally makes a false report.

If I report it, will my identity be revealed to the abuser?

No, the Animal Protection Act ensures that the identity of the reporter is kept confidential. Anonymous reports are also possible, and the reporter's information will not be disclosed during the investigation process.

I found an injured stray dog on the street. Who is responsible for paying the vet bills?

If you hand the animal over to a local government animal protection center, the costs will be covered by public funds. If you personally took the animal to a clinic for treatment, the expenses are generally your responsibility, but some local governments offer partial support programs, so please call 120 first to inquire.

If you notice signs of abuse at a pet store, where should you report it?

Pet businesses are subject to regulations specific to the pet industry, separate from the Animal Protection Act. If you report to the animal protection department of your local city, county, or district office, or call 120, a joint inspection will be conducted.

Can I find out the results after reporting?

If the reporter requests it, they will be notified of the outcome. For reports submitted through animal.go.kr, you can check the progress of your case online. However, due to privacy protections, detailed information such as the severity of penalties imposed on the offender will only be disclosed to a limited extent.

Primary vs. Secondary Veterinary Hospitals: A Comparison

Comparing Dog Vaccine Types (3-way, 5-way, 7-way): Differences and How to Choose

Pet Insurance Enrollment Timing Comparison: When Is the Most Advantageous Time to Enroll?

Why Is My Rescue Dog So Anxious? — Care and Recovery Stages for Abandonment Trauma

Checklist of Essential Questions for Shelter Adoption Interviews

Is This Signal Okay During Puppy Birth? — Emergency Management of Dystocia and Timing for Cesarean Section

When Does a Cat’s Heat Cycle Begin? — Key Points on Breeding Timing and Estrus Signs

Causes and Management of Feline Aggression — Why the Sudden Biting and Scratching?

Why Do Cats Wake You Up at Dawn? — Causes and Routine Correction Methods

How to Manage Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs?

References

[1] 동물보호법 제10조(동물학대 등의 금지) 및 제16조(신고), 농림축산식품부

[2] Munro, R. and Munro, H.M.C. (2008). Animal Abuse and Unlawful Killing: Forensic Veterinary Pathology. Elsevier Saunders

[3] American Veterinary Medical Association (2021). Summary Report: Reporting requirements for animal abuse

[4] Merck, M. (ed.) (2013). Veterinary Forensics, 2e. Wiley: Ames, IA