According to Busan Jungbu Police, a report was filed at 8:10 p.m. on July 29, alleging that a dog had been stored inside a commercial fridge at a local pizza shop. Authorities responded promptly. “The temperature in the fridge wasn’t extremely low,” a police official stated, noting that an investigation is underway to determine whether any violation of Korea’s Animal Protection Act occurred.
The dog in question is an 11-year-old female Maltese named Cookie, owned by the pizza shop’s 60-something female proprietor, referred to as “A.”
In a statement to Yonhap News, the owner explained: “Cookie recently spent a week hospitalized for acute heart disease. After being discharged, I was terrified the heat might worsen her condition.”
She claimed the shop’s air conditioner had malfunctioned, prompting her to create a temporary cool resting area inside the refrigerator’s lower shelf by placing a blanket. Cookie was periodically moved in and out to avoid prolonged exposure. “I made a mistake putting her in the same fridge used to store sauces,” she admitted. “But in the moment, I just wanted to protect Cookie, who is like a daughter to me. I sincerely apologize to our customers.”
While public sentiment remains mixed, experts weighed in. Shim In-seop, head of animal protection group LIFE, noted: “For abuse charges, intent is key. Based on her explanation, it doesn’t appear she acted with malicious intent. Still, putting a dog in a fridge shows a serious lack of judgment.”
Veterinarians also stressed that senior dogs with heart conditions are especially vulnerable to heat. Dr. Moon Hee-seop, director at 21st Century The Hue Animal Medical Center in Busan, explained: “Such dogs have trouble breathing and face elevated blood pressure in hot weather. For a dog equivalent to a senior citizen, lowering body temperature is critical.”
While the owner’s concern is understandable, experts recommend cool mats or portable fans as safer alternatives during heatwaves especially when air conditioning isn’t available. As temperatures continue to soar across the nation, the case serves as a stark reminder that even well-intentioned actions require thoughtful care especially when lives are at stake.
Sources
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