"Claiming to be an animal adoption center, it operates a pet shop for purebred dogs and cats"… Petition reveals concerns

A petition has been posted requesting an investigation into the operation of the 'Pet Special Street' that opened in November last year in the underground shopping center from Gwangan Station to Suyeong Station on Busan Metro Line 2.

On the 6th, a national petition titled "Request for a thorough investigation into Busan 'Pet Station' for violating the public purpose of life and inadequate safety management" was submitted to the Busan Metropolitan City Green City Bureau's Animal Companion Division.

The petitioner stated, "The Pet Station is operating in a manner completely detached from the public purpose of fostering a companion culture and adopting abandoned animals, and immediate correction and a full investigation are requested."

They further pointed out, "Despite having the sign of an 'animal adoption center,' the actual operating space is a pet shop selling purebred dogs and cats for tens to hundreds of thousands of won." They added, "The structure, which decorates itself to mislead citizens into thinking it is an adoption center while showcasing and selling lives, is a public deception and a culture of consumerism that disregards life."

Additionally, the petitioner claimed, "The adoption center, which officially opened in November 2024, has disappeared and from March 2025 only a high-priced pet shop has been operating." They argued, "This is suspected to be a facade established without any intention to operate an adoption center."

"Promoting a consumer culture that disregards life… Immediate correction is necessary"

They also mentioned additional issues such as ▲ the absence of double entry doors in the cat cafe (a violation of Article 9 of the Animal Protection Act) and ▲ odor and vacancy problems.

In conclusion, the petitioner emphasized, "This matter is not merely an issue of operating a shopping center, but a complex public administrative problem involving the private use of public resources, misleading citizens by disguising adoption, promoting a culture of consumerism that disregards life, and potential violations of safety management under the Animal Protection Act." They strongly urged, "I sincerely request that Busan City recognize its public responsibility and immediately carry out administrative inspections and corrections."

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Busan City is currently investing 40 million won to revitalize this area, promoting various support projects, including festival events.

Image source: Captured from the Busan Tourism Portal Visit Busan website.