In the second episode of KBS 2TV‘s entertainment programme ’Animals Are Great’, which aired on the 23rd, the theme of coexistence with various companion animals was depicted.
On this day’s broadcast, an incident that occurred at a dog kindergarten was also highlighted. The three MCs and Anivengers could not hide their embarrassment at the sight of the employee showing extreme behavior, such as putting pressure between the legs when the dog bit him, crushing the dog, and strangling the dog. Defcon and Eun Ji-won were angry, saying, “What are you doing now?” and “That’s not right. This is abuse. I’m so angry.”
The guardian is currently in a lawsuit against the employee, and the employee claims discipline, not abuse. In response, trainer Kim Hyo-jin said, ”Rather than resist, we subdued the dog. It was an action that did not take into account that it was an old dog,” and veterinarian Kim Myeong-cheol added, “It is an action that instills fear. It can hardly be considered training.”
In particular, a video was released that allows you to feel what kind of precedent a change in perception brings. One day, one of the customers brought a dog raised for food to the storyteller, who had been working as a meat dog breeder for 35 years. Later, the storyteller found out that the dog had stolen and sold someone else’s dog. The story was told that the person who felt guilty about this decided to open a dog bathhouse with her daughter.
When the two said that they were also conducting bathing service on behalf of the disabled and the elderly, Defconn cheered, saying, “It will be a good precedent,” and Jang Do-yeon said, “It feels like I’m repaying a debt of my heart,” and “It’s good to see.” I sympathized with his warm heart.
In addition, the scene where trainer Kim Hyo-jin, who responded to an urgent rescue report, rescued 13 dogs and cats was also revealed. Trainer Kim Hyo-jin, who entered the house where the animals lived, was astonished and said, “People live here?” and was speechless at the shocking scene, including a lot of messy excrement and pollutants. Trainer Kim Hyo-jin, who fortunately succeeded in rescuing 13 animals without any problems, added, “In addition to the dogs and cats that gave up their ownership, there were other pets such as parrots, chinchillas, and turtles. We are working to give up their ownership.”
‘Animals Are Great’ airs every Saturday at 10:35 am.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Kyeong-eun
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What are the common misconceptions about animal training methods?
Interview: Understanding Animal Welfare in Training Practices
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, and welcome to our special segment on animal welfare. Today, we have with us Dr. Kim Myeong-cheol, a veterinarian and an advocate for humane training practices. Dr. Kim, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Kim Myeong-cheol: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Interviewer: Recently, the second episode of KBS 2TV’s ‘Animals Are Great’ sparked significant controversy after highlighting disturbing incidents at a dog kindergarten. Can you summarize what happened and why it raised alarm?
Dr. Kim: Certainly. During the show, viewers were exposed to an incident where an employee exhibited extreme physical behavior towards a dog, which was seen as a form of abuse rather than training. This included actions like crushing and strangling the dog when it displayed aggressive behavior. The reactions from the MCs and viewers mirrored a common belief that such methods are unacceptable and harmful.
Interviewer: Indeed, it was quite shocking. The employee claimed he was simply disciplining the dog. What’s your perspective on this defense?
Dr. Kim: This defense is troubling because what is often labeled as “discipline” can sometimes cross the line into abuse. Proper training should foster trust and respect between the animal and trainer. When fear is instilled through aggression or harsh tactics, it can lead to anxiety, behavioral problems, or aggression from the animal. As I mentioned during the show, such actions should hardly be considered training.
Interviewer: You mentioned that these methods can instill fear in animals. What are some effective, humane alternatives to training that avoid these harmful practices?
Dr. Kim: It’s essential to utilize positive reinforcement techniques. Rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime encourages dogs to repeat those behaviors rather than instilling fear of punishment. This not only aids in the dog’s learning but also helps build a strong bond between the pet and its owner.
Interviewer: That’s very compelling. Do you think the media has a responsibility to portray these issues accurately, especially when it comes to animal welfare?
Dr. Kim: Absolutely. Media representations can heavily influence public perception and behavior toward animals. Programs like ‘Animals Are Great’ need to highlight compassionate training methods and the consequences of abusive practices. By showcasing what is right, they have the power to educate pet owners and trainers on animal welfare and responsible practices.
Interviewer: With the current lawsuit against the employee in the dog kindergarten, what do you think might come of that, regarding accountability for animal welfare?
Dr. Kim: Lawsuits like this are crucial. They serve as a wake-up call to those involved in animal care that abusive practices will not be tolerated. Such legal actions can bring about important discussions around reforming training practices and strengthening regulations to protect animals. It’s essential for the legal system to send a clear message that animal abuse is unacceptable.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kim. Your insights into humane training practices and animal welfare are invaluable. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our audience?
Dr. Kim: Yes, I’d like to encourage every pet owner and trainer to prioritize empathy and kindness in their interactions with animals. Let’s work together to create a world where all pets are treated with the respect and love they deserve.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time, Dr. Kim. It was enlightening to hear your views, and I hope our audience takes them to heart.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important subject.