With an estimated 10 million pets in Korea, it is thought that about 26.4% (more than 100,000) of all households in Ulsan have companion animals.

 However, as the population owning companion animals increases, the number of abandoned animals is also steadily increasing, which is raising concerns. According to data released by Ulsan City in April of last year, the number of abandoned animals in Ulsan continues to increase, with 2,879 in 2017, 2,915 in 2018, 3,115 in 2019, and 3,344 in 2020.

  Ulsan Abandoned Animal Protection Center rescues and protects abandoned animals in Ulsan. Unfortunately, volunteer activities were suspended for some time due to COVID-19, but they were able to start again in April this year.

 About 1,403 abandoned animals are admitted to the Ulsan Abandoned Animal Protection Center every year. This is close to half of all abandoned animals in the Ulsan area. Among them, 18.8% were returned to the original owner, 5.2% were adopted, 28.5% were donated, 5.5% were euthanized, and 28.1% are still being protected. The low rate of euthanasia may seem positive, but considering the fact that nearly half of the animals eventually die in the shelter, it's not entirely positive.

 In order to save the animals of the shelter, adoption is very necessary. As the number of people looking for a companion animal is gradually increasing, how about adopting a companion animal instead of buying one?