Sexagenarian Who Left Dogs in Piles of Trash Expresses Remorse in Court

A man in his 60s, who left dozens of dogs neglected in an apartment covered in filth and trash, has admitted to all charges and asked for leniency after standing trial in custody.

Judge Park Dong-wook of the Chuncheon District Court Criminal Division 3 held the first trial for A (64), who faces charges including violations of the Animal Protection Act.

A was sent to trial on charges of keeping 18 dogs in unsanitary conditions and causing them to fall ill at multiple apartments he owned from 2013 until July of this year.

A's legal representative admitted to all the facts of the indictment and requested bail to be granted.

The defense attorney stated, "The defendant did not admit to having a mental illness during the investigation, but has since changed his mind and believes he needs treatment. Please hand down the sentence after watching him thoroughly clean all his homes and faithfully receive psychiatric treatment."

The attorney emphasized the need for bail, pointing out that there is no risk of the defendant destroying evidence or fleeing, and that his siblings have promised to actively help clean up the houses.

Judge Park, who also reviewed records of other summary indictment cases involving A, reprimanded him, saying, "Didn't you refuse to show up when the police summoned you, ultimately leading to an arrest warrant being issued so they had to enter your home?"

When the judge asked, "If you are released, will you receive proper treatment and clean up your house?", A replied, "I will follow through so it can be done quickly."

A also stated, "I want to live quietly while leading an ordinary daily life like most people," and expressed his intention to relinquish ownership of all the dogs except for one elderly dog that his mother used to raise before she passed away.

Chuncheon City officials who attended the trial as observers explained that if A agrees to bear the costs, the city could first use its budget to clean up the houses and then request reimbursement from A as a way to support improving his living environment.

Neighbors have repeatedly filed civil complaints and reports as A neglected dozens of dogs in his apartments located in Chuncheon over the years.

A total of 27 petitions and e-People (Civil Petitions) reports related to A have been filed with the Chuncheon City government over the past three years.

Because phone complaints are excluded from this count, the actual number of reports is known to be even higher.

With A's consent in September 2023, the city rescued 17 dogs from a home filled with trash and feces, followed by the rescue and protective measures of 27 more dogs in September of last year.

(Photo provided by Chuncheon Police Station, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.