Analysis of the 2023 Public Awareness Survey on Animal Welfare and Bioethical Recommendations

In recent years, discussions surrounding animal protection have gained significant attention in society, driven by a diverse array of voices advocating for animal welfare. A prominent example is the recent enactment of a new law in South Korea: on February 6, 2024, the National Assembly passed the “Special Act on Ending the Rearing, Slaughtering, and Distribution of Dogs for Consumption.” This law, which will take full effect on February 7, 2027, after a three-year grace period, prohibits the rearing, slaughter, distribution, and sale of dogs for consumption purposes. The law represents a major shift, addressing longstanding animal rights concerns while reflecting the public’s evolving stance on ethical treatment of animals. In this situation, the results of a public awareness survey, released in early 2024, provide insights into the overall level of awareness among Koreans regarding animal protection. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs published the 2023 public awareness survey on animal welfare, which covers topics such as awareness of animal protection policies and laws, attitudes toward animal cruelty, perspectives on pet adoption and sales, views on stray animals and animal shelters, as well as opinions on animal experimentation and the welfare of farm animals. This article will review the key findings of the 2023 survey on public awareness of animal welfare, analyzing these results from a hermeneutic perspective. Lastly, it will conclude with bioethical recommendations aimed at raising public awareness of animal welfare based on this analysis.