Dog owner defense against accusations of mistreatment, claiming the fridge confinement was for canine heart issues
In a bizarre turn of events, a Maltese dog named Cookie, owned by a local restaurant owner in her 60s, was found inside a refrigerator at a pizza restaurant in Busan, South Korea. The refrigerator, typically used for storing sauces for customers, became Cookie's temporary abode due to the restaurant's air conditioner breaking down.
The photo of the small dog sparked disputes over potential animal abuse, leading to a report being made to the Busan Jungbu Police Station at around 8:10 p.m. on Tuesday. The authorities have since initiated an investigation to determine if the owner violated the Animal Protection Act.
However, Sim In-seop, the head of the local animal rights group Live in Freedom and Equality, believes the owner had no intention of abusing the dog but should be cautious about keeping her pet inside a refrigerator. He suggests that cooling strategies such as cooling mats, damp towels, or controlled access to air-conditioned or shaded areas are more suitable for a dog like Cookie, who is prone to overheating due to her long, white hair and poor perspiration.
Experts concur with Sim's sentiments, emphasising that refrigerators are not designed as environments for living animals. They are characterised by very cold temperatures, low humidity, and limited ventilation, which can cause hypothermia or respiratory problems in dogs rather than safely cooling them.
Cookie's health issues, including acute heart problems, have also played a significant role in the case. The vet advised the owner that extreme heat could be fatal for Cookie, prompting the owner to take the unconventional measure of keeping the dog inside the refrigerator to prevent overheating.
Despite the initial concerns, animal rights groups have taken a more reserved approach towards the case following the revelation of Cookie's health issues. They stress the importance of seeking professional advice and using safe and humane methods to cool pets during hot weather.
[1] PetMD. (2021). Heat Stroke in Dogs. [online] Available at: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_heat_stroke [Accessed 17 May 2023].
[2] ASPCA. (2021). Heatstroke. [online] Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/heatstroke [Accessed 17 May 2023].
[3] VCA Hospitals. (2021). Heat Stroke. [online] Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke [Accessed 17 May 2023].
- While refrigerators are unsuitable environments for living animals due to their cold temperatures, low humidity, and limited ventilation, which can cause hypothermia or respiratory problems, mental-health experts recommend seeking professional advice and using safe and humane methods to cool pets during hot weather, such as cooling mats, damp towels, or controlled access to air-conditioned or shaded areas, for dogs like Cookie who are prone to overheating and have health issues like acute heart problems (PetMD, ASPCA, VCA Hospitals).
- In light of Cookie's health issues, including acute heart problems, it is crucial to consider mental-health factors when cooling pets during hot weather. As evidenced by the case, extreme heat can be fatal for certain pets, leading pet owners to take unconventional measures like keeping their pets inside refrigerators to prevent overheating. However, such actions may spark disputes over potential animal abuse and violations of the Animal Protection Act (PetMD, ASPCA, VCA Hospitals).
