A puppy sale advertisement on Coupang / Courtesy of care

Online commerce platforms, such as Coupang and Naver, faced public backlash earlier this week after featuring advertisements for the sale of puppies on their sites.

The ads showcased various breeds of puppies, accompanied by photos and prices. Sellers claimed that the puppies would be shipped from China at no extra charge, in boxes equipped with food and water.

As public outrage grew, the platforms were forced to remove the ads.

"Is it okay to deliver a live animal like that?" a man was quoted saying in a report by a Korean online news outlet.

Care, an animal rights group, filed a police report against the companies, Tuesday, accusing them of violating animal rights laws.

"Once again, the animals fall victim to illegal sales involving Coupang,"an official at Care said.

According to Korean law, selling pet dogs requires special permission, and sellers must deliver the animals directly to buyers rather than using a delivery service, or hire a licensed animal transporter.

Speaking to Hankyeoreh, a Korean news outlet, Coupang said no actual transactions took place and that it will strictly monitor illegal sales.