South Korea recently implemented a system mandating owners or would-be owners of particularly aggressive dogs to have their pet ownership permitted by their regional government, as part of the measure to prevent accidents involving pets.

The two-part measure for "maenggyeons," or aggressive dogs, will be effective starting in April 27. Those wishing to own any of five breeds of dogs categorized as "aggressive" by the ordinance of the Animal Protection Act must receive a permit from the city or provincial government.

The five breeds defined as aggressive are American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa -- also known as the Japanese Mastiff -- and Rottweiler.

Authorities will evaluate the aggressiveness and other characteristics of the individual dog to determine whether to allow ownership. Those already owning any of theses five breeds of dog will need to obtain a permit within six months of the measure kicking in.

Even dogs not of the aforementioned five breeds could be categorized as "aggressive" if it causes a substantial injury to a human or another animal. In such case, it can be ordered to receive a state evaluation and potentially be defined as an aggressive dog.

Any dog that has been categorized as aggressive will require a permit. Those wishing to own an aggressive dog are obligated to have the dog neutered and subscribed to an insurance policy.

South Korean law already states that aggressive dogs are not to be allowed outside of the residence without the owner, or without wearing a leash and a muzzle, and cannot be allowed to enter children's facilities including elementary schools.

According to the National Fire Agency, there have been at least 2,000 cases in which a dog has attacked someone every year from 2018 to 2022, with 2,216 cases in 2022. The law states that the owner of a dog that did not wear safety equipment and caused an injury to a human can be punished with up to two years in prison or a fine of 20 million won ($15,000).

The National Assembly in April last year passed the related law revisions, which also included legal grounds for a state license system for professionals in dog training. Dog trainers in South Korea had to acquire one of some 140 privately run licenses prior to the new measure.

Officials said they will soon notify the public of the specific criteria, subjects and schedule for the state license.