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Daejeon MBC News: [Exclusive] “Ignored Animal Cruelty Protocols”… Will the ‘Pasha’s Law’ Be Enacted?([단독]”무시된 동물 학대 매뉴얼”…’파샤법’ 제정될까?/대전MBC)

Sharing from Herald Economy, September 3, 2025:

A man in his 50s who killed his pet dog by tying it to an electric bicycle and dragging it for over 30 minutes has avoided arrest — sparking widespread public outrage and calls for stricter animal protection laws.

According to Cheonan Dongnam Police, prosecutors at the Daejeon District Office (Cheonan Branch) have rejected a request for a pre-trial detention warrant for the suspect, identified only as Mr. A, citing a lack of flight risk or concern over evidence tampering. Mr. A is being investigated for violating South Korea’s Animal Protection Act.

Tragic Death of “Pasha”

The incident took place on the evening of August 22 in Sinbu-dong, Cheonan. Mr. A allegedly tied his large collie, named “Pasha,” to an electric bicycle and rode along a riverside path at speeds of 10–15 km/h for more than 30 minutes.

Witnesses reported seeing the dog bleeding and being violently dragged behind the bike. Concerned citizens intervened and immediately contacted authorities.

Pasha died while being transported to a nearby animal care center. An initial investigation concluded that the dog likely died from asphyxiation caused by the tightening leash, as well as heat exhaustion.

Mr. A reportedly told police, “The dog had gained weight, and I just wanted to give it some exercise. I didn’t intend to kill it.”

Signs of Broader Neglect

Further investigation revealed troubling signs of continued neglect and abuse. On the rooftop of Mr. A’s mixed-use residential building, another dog was found living in harsh and unsanitary conditions.

Police also received testimony from an individual who had recently adopted a collie from Mr. A, reporting that the dog was in poor health and physically deteriorated, raising additional suspicions of mistreatment.

Sufficient Evidence, But No Arrest

Despite graphic video evidence and eyewitness accounts — as the abuse occurred in a public space — police say they will not resubmit the warrant request. Mr. A will instead be referred to prosecutors without detention.

A police spokesperson stated, “We’ve secured sufficient evidence, including video footage. We will move forward with the case without reapplying for an arrest warrant.”

Public Backlash and Petitions

News of the incident has spread rapidly online, fueling a wave of public anger and demands for justice.

A petition titled “We Demand Severe Punishment in the Pasha Case” was launched on the civic platform “Parti” on August 28 by Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth(CARE). As of 4 PM on September 2, over 40,900 people had signed in support of stronger legal consequences and systemic reforms to prevent future animal abuse cases.
👉 Petition: https://campaigns.do/campaigns/1658

Find out why thousands are demanding justice for Pasha — click below to learn more.
👉 💔 Justice for Pasha: Dragged in Agony, Left to Die in Cheonan 🐾
👉 UPDATE 💔 Justice for Pasha: Dragged in Agony, Left to Die in Cheonan
👉 Pasha’s Final Moments: New Video Exposes Horrific Abuse as Arrest Warrant Sought

 

 

 

Translation of the Petition:

Petition Letter: Urgent Call for Arrest and Maximum Penalty in the Pasha Animal Cruelty Case

To the Honorable Chief of Cheonan Dongnam Police Station and Investigating Authorities,

We, the undersigned citizens, write to express our profound shock and outrage over the recent case of animal cruelty in Cheonan involving a dog named Pasha.

The suspect, Pasha’s owner, committed a brutal and inhumane act by tying his dog to an electric bicycle and dragging it for several kilometers. Pasha collapsed, bloodied and severely injured, in plain view of multiple witnesses. Despite clear video evidence (including CCTV), the suspect trivialized the act, claiming it was intended as “exercise,” and showed neither remorse nor urgency as his dog lay dying. He did not seek veterinary care. Pasha ultimately died in extreme pain and distress.

1. This Is Not an Ordinary Case of Animal Abuse

This was not a private or accidental act. It occurred in a public space, witnessed by bystanders, and has sparked widespread social outrage. The suspect’s actions clearly constitute a violation of:

Article 10, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 1 of the Animal Protection Act — prohibiting acts that lead to death by cruel means.

Article 10, Paragraph 4, Subparagraph 2 — for failing to provide appropriate care, resulting in death.

Additionally, the suspect appears to have violated Article 69, Paragraph 1, concerning illegal animal breeding and sales.

This case is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern of alleged neglect and abuse involving this individual.

2. Why Arrest and Custodial Investigation Are Critical

Despite numerous past reports, warnings, and eyewitness accounts, the suspect has continued to deny, conceal, and downplay his actions. Immediate seizure of CCTV footage and preservation of evidence is essential. In similar past cases, weak legal responses have led to repeated offenses.

The failure to arrest the suspect in such a public and egregious case sends a dangerous message of tolerance toward animal cruelty — both domestically and abroad. South Korea must not become known as a country where abuse of defenseless animals is met with indifference.

3. Our Demands

We respectfully urge the authorities to:
1. Arrest the suspect and conduct a full custodial investigation.
2. Secure and review all CCTV footage and related evidence from the area.
3. Collect statements from all relevant witnesses and apply all appropriate charges under the Animal Protection Act.
4. Review and address any failures in local enforcement or administrative oversight to prevent future incidents.
5. Ensure that the harshest possible legal penalties are pursued in this case.

4. A Plea from the Public

Animals cannot speak for themselves — they depend entirely on humans and institutions to protect them. The agony Pasha endured must not be ignored or forgotten.

This case has triggered one of the strongest public outcries regarding animal abuse in recent years. Citizens across the country demand accountability, justice, and meaningful change. We call on you to demonstrate that the law will stand firmly on the side of compassion, protection, and justice.

Please ensure that the perpetrator receives the maximum penalty under the law so that such cruelty is never repeated.

August 28, 2025
Signed by concerned citizens united for animal rights

 

 

Petition in Korean:

탄원서

제목: 파샤 사건 학대자에 대한 구속 수사와 엄중 처벌을 촉구합니다

존경하는 천안 동남 경찰서장님 및 수사 관계자 여러분께,

우리는 이번 천안 파샤 사건을 접하고 충격과 분노를 금할 수 없습니다.
피의자는 콜리 종의 파샤의 견주로서 자신의 반려견을 전기자전거에 매달아 수 킬로미터를 끌고 가는 잔혹한 행위를 저질렀고, 그 과정에서 파샤는 피투성이가 되어 쓰러졌습니다. 현장에서 다수의 시민이 목격하였고, 영상 기록(CCTV 등) 또한 존재함에도 불구하고 피의자는 살을 빼기 위해 운동을 시킨 것이라며 책임을 회피하고 난동을 부렸습니다. 또한 피를 흘리며 죽어가는 반려견에 대해 전혀 놀라지도 병원에 데려가지도 않았습니다. 결국 파샤는 극심한 고통 속에 생을 마감하였습니다.

1. 이번 사건은 일반적인 동물학대가 아닙니다

공개된 장소에서 다수 시민이 보는 앞에서 가해진 범죄로, 사회적 불안과 충격을 불러일으킨 사건입니다.

학대자의 행위는 <동물보호법 제10조 1항 1호>가 금지하는 잔인한 방법으로 죽음에 이르게 한 학대에 해당합니다.

또 피해견을 제때 치료하지 않아 사망에 이르게 한 것은 소유자의 보호 의무 위반이며,
이는 <동물보호법 10조 4항의 2호> 에 해당하는 명백한 범죄입니다.

이외에도 학대자는 <동물보호법 69조 1항>을 위반하여 불법 동물생산과 판매 행위를 한 것으로 보입니다.

2. 왜 구속 수사가 필요한가

수년간 다수의 학대 정황, 방치 정황, 경찰 신고와 목격자 증언들이 이어지고 있음에도 학대자는 범행을 축소· 은폐· 부인하고 있습니다.

CCTV 확보와 증거 보전이 절실히 필요합니다.

과거에도 유사 사건들이 제대로 처벌되지 않아 재범이 반복되었습니다. 대한민국에서 이례적으로 수많은 시민들이 공분하는 사건으로, 이번 사건에서조차 강력한 법 집행이 이루어지지 않는다면, 우리 사회는 동물학대를 방치하는 국가로 전세계에 알려질 것입니다.

3. 우리의 요구

1. 피의자에 대한 구속 수사를 즉각 진행해 주십시오.
2. 사건 현장 및 주변 CCTV 영상과 증거 자료 확보를 철저히 해 주십시오.
3. 동물보호법 위반 여러 사례에 대해 참고인 진술들을 모두 확보하고 모두 적용하여 엄중한 처벌을 내려 주십시오.
4. 경찰 지구대의 동물보호 행정의 공백을 점검하고, 다시는 이러한 사건이 발생하지 않도록 제도적 보완을 촉구합니다.

4. 시민의 호소

동물은 스스로 진술하거나 항의할 수 없는 존재입니다. 그렇기에 이번 사건에서 정의가 반드시 바로 세워져야 합니다. 파샤가 겪은 고통은 결코 헛되어서는 안 됩니다. 이례적으로 시민들이 가장 크게 분노하는 동물학대사건입니다. 우리 시민들은 법이 최소한의 정의를 지켜줄 것을 간절히 바라고 있으며, 이번 사건의 학대자가 반드시 최고수위의 처벌을 받아 다시는 이러한 일이 재발하지 않도록 할 것을 촉구합니다.

2025년 8월28일

동물권을 수호하기위해 모인 시민일동