A Pomeranian is now the newest representative of a safety program in Seoul where pets and their owners monitor their neighborhoods.
Key points:
- The tiny dog, named Hodu, became part of the Seoul Pet Patrol Squad last month.
- The program has expanded to include over 1,400 teams, indicating strong community involvement.
- The patrols have effectively reported local incidents and problems, improving neighborhood safety.
The specifics:
- Launched in 2022, the Seoul Pet Patrol Squad now comprises 1,424 teams, a significant increase from the original 64. These teams, made up of pets and their owners, patrol their neighborhoods, monitoring and reporting incidents and potential dangers.
- Hodu, a 3-year-old Pomeranian, patrols the Seongdong District with his owner, Eum Ho-sang. They joined the program on April 20 along with 45 other teams.
- A total of 1,011 teams reportedly made 48,431 patrols last year, resulting in 331 police reports and 2,263 petition reports. These efforts helped to identify safety hazards, including the detection of a drunk driver causing chaos in a school zone.
- To join the patrol, pets must pass various tests to show obedience and calmness around other dogs and strangers. Hodu and other pets are trained to follow commands like “stay” and “come here,” which are crucial for their role in the program.
- The initiative is overseen by the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s self-governing police commission. Mayor Chong Won-o of Seongdong District frequently shares highlights from the patrols on social media, encouraging public interaction with the patrol teams.
단독입수한 호두의 용맹한 모습, 좀 더 전해드립니다. (호두의 반려인께서 전해주신 귀한 사진과 영상입니다🐶) pic.twitter.com/bVd34oNkiL
— 정원오 성동구청장 (@kindchong) April 29, 2024
