Busanjin District Council has assessed the cooperation system among relevant agencies to address the care gaps for pets arising from emergencies involving at-risk youth, domestic violence, and crime victims.
An estimated budget of approximately 670.93 million won will be allocated for the at-risk youth support program next year, while temporary pet care support will begin in January.
Choi Jeong-woong, a council member from the Democratic Party representing Gaya 1 and 2-dong and Gaegum 2-dong, held a meeting on the 15th with officials from the Busanjin District Office's Youth and Children Division, Economic and Tourism Division, and the Busanjin Police Station's Women and Youth Division to discuss the implementation of the ordinances and cooperation strategies among agencies.
The 'Busanjin District Ordinance on Support for At-Risk Youth,' proposed by Choi, was enacted on September 29. The 'Busanjin District Ordinance on Temporary Pet Care Support' was enacted on August 11 and is set to take effect on January 1 of next year.
The at-risk youth support ordinance aims to institutionalize existing programs such as the youth safety net, youth counseling welfare center, out-of-school youth support center, and special support projects for at-risk youth.
The budget for related projects is expected to increase from 621.71 million won this year to approximately 670.93 million won next year, reflecting an increase of 49.22 million won. The budget for next year is currently in the planning stage and has yet to be finalized.
During the meeting, participants discussed how police can connect at-risk youth discovered in the field with the district's youth safety net and counseling welfare center, ensuring continuity in counseling and case management.
The temporary pet care support system is designed to provide short-term care for pets when guardians are unable to care for them due to emergencies such as domestic violence or crime victimization.
Busanjin District plans to allocate 5.4 million won in the next year's budget for temporary care costs for two pets. The support criteria will allow for a maximum of 30,000 won per day for up to 90 days, with specific application procedures and operational methods to be outlined in the implementation rules.
The ordinance also establishes a basis for cooperation with designated animal protection centers, animal management facilities, private animal protection organizations, and veterinary hospitals.
Discussions also included how police can quickly connect with the district office's relevant departments when they identify a care gap for pets at domestic violence or crime scenes. The Economic and Tourism Division and other relevant departments plan to detail the connection methods, support procedures, and facilities available for temporary care.
Currently, counseling and support for at-risk youth are conducted through existing youth safety nets and counseling welfare centers. Preparations for the operational system for temporary pet care are underway ahead of its implementation next year.
The meeting included officials from the district office and police, and detailed cooperation strategies with institutions responsible for actual support tasks, such as youth counseling welfare centers and pet care agencies, will be addressed in future practical discussions.
Choi stated, "While creating ordinances is important, it is equally crucial to ensure that these systems function effectively in real-life situations when help is needed. I will continue to monitor the close connections between the district office, police, and other relevant agencies."
He added, "Both at-risk youth support and temporary pet care cannot be resolved by a single agency alone, so I hope this meeting serves as a catalyst for strengthening cooperation among relevant organizations."
Choi plans to review the budget execution and operational status of the support system following the implementation of the temporary pet care ordinance next year.
He also intends to verify whether the collaboration between police and relevant agencies for at-risk youth support is functioning effectively in the field and will check the progress through reports and administrative audits as necessary.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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