Reptile Neglect Case: A 20-Year-Old Sentenced to 4 Million Won Fine

A 20-year-old man has been found guilty by the court for neglecting reptiles he kept at home, resulting in the starvation and death of many.

On the 17th, the Cheongju District Court's Criminal Division 3 (Presided by Chief Judge Ji Yun-seop) announced that it sentenced A (22) to a fine of 4 million won for violating the Animal Protection Act.

A is accused of having raised a total of 251 reptiles, including 232 lizards and 19 snakes, in an apartment in Cheongju. He reportedly ceased supplying food and neglected them for about two months starting from September last year.

During this neglect, a significant number of reptiles died due to starvation.

According to the investigation, it was confirmed that 95 reptiles, including 80 lizards and 15 snakes, perished from starvation as a result of A's negligence.

It has been reported that A did not take any protective measures for the reptiles he was raising while he moved to another region for employment.

The Animal Protection Act strictly prohibits the abuse of animals or neglecting them without appropriate care, and reptiles are included among the animals that are protected. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible keeping of pet reptiles.

The court explained the reason for the sentencing, stating, "While the number of animals that died is considerable, the defendant has shown remorse and has no prior criminal record."

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