Shin Sang-jin, the mayor of Seongnam, praised pets on October 31, stating, "Pets are valuable companions that share emotions with people and alleviate loneliness."
On that morning, Mayor Shin attended the '2026 Seongnam Pet Festival' held at the city hall plaza, where he engaged with citizens and outlined key policies related to pets, including plans to expand the municipal animal hospital and improve dog park facilities.
He specifically mentioned plans to establish a municipal animal hospital in the Bundang area, in addition to the one currently operating in the Sujeong District, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing access to veterinary services across regions.
During his congratulatory remarks, Mayor Shin emphasized, "Pets are also cherished family members of our citizens," and pledged to address the inconveniences faced by residents living with pets.
He added, "In addition to the municipal animal hospital in Sujeong District, we plan to create one in Bundang, and we will allocate next year's budget to renovate the aging facilities at the Yuldong Park dog park."
This policy initiative focuses on expanding public services and recreational spaces that citizens can experience in their daily lives, going beyond just pet protection and medical support.
The addition of a municipal animal hospital aims to improve access to veterinary services across different areas, while the renovation of the Yuldong Park dog park seeks to enhance safety and comfort for both dogs and their owners.
Mayor Shin is also dedicated to promoting a better understanding of pets and fostering a mature pet culture alongside the expansion of public infrastructure.
Approximately 3,000 citizens participated in the festival, enjoying various activities and performances with their pets.
The event featured a pet health run, a dog competition, and a talk concert titled 'DOGhan Suda' with veterinarian Jo Woo-jae, trainer Lee Woong-yong, and actress Kim Ha-young. Additionally, there were a classical music concert 'Petchestra' and various citizen participation programs, including a raffle.
Alongside these activities, 37 experience and promotional booths were set up, offering diverse entertainment options such as a dog park, obstacle courses, a pet photo booth, and workshops for making homemade treats and toys.
Attendees expressed interest in expanding spaces for enjoying time with pets and improving public veterinary services. One citizen remarked, "I’m glad to see an event where families can participate with their dogs, and I hope the facilities at the Yuldong Park dog park are improved so that dogs can play more safely."
Looking ahead, Mayor Shin plans to strengthen the foundation for public pet welfare through the expansion of municipal animal hospitals and improvements to dog park environments, while continuously promoting pet-friendly policies that citizens can feel in their daily lives.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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