In a tragic incident in South Korea, a dog owner was sentenced to 1 year and 10 months in prison for violating animal protection laws after their unrestrained greyhound caused the fatal accident of a cyclist. The incident occurred when the dog attacked a man in his 50s who was riding an electric bicycle near a riverside park in Uijeongbu City. As a result of the encounter, the cyclist fell and sustained severe head injuries, eventually succumbing to them after a week in the hospital.

The owner, identified only as Mr. A, had failed to secure the dog with a leash and did not take any immediate safety precautions when the accident occurred. Following the incident, Mr. A reportedly fled the scene without providing aid to the injured cyclist, claiming he was pursuing his dog. This behavior, alongside the failure to leash his dog, raised serious concerns about accountability and responsibility among pet owners in South Korea.

The presiding judge emphasized the obligation of pet owners to ensure public safety by using leashes during walks and pointed out that Mr. A's actions directly led to the victim's death. Additionally, the judge noted the lack of reconciliation with the victim's family and their plea for strict punishment, highlighting the broader implications for animal ownership laws and public safety regulations in the country.