TAIWAN BANS SALE AND CONSUMPTION OF DOG AND CAT MEAT
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On 11 April, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed a landmark amendment to its Animal Protection Act, prohibiting the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption and increasing the penalty for cruelty to animals.
Anyone caught violating the act will now face a prison term of up to two years, a fine ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$2 million, and their names and photographs published. Prior to the amendment, the maximum penalty for animal cruelty was one year in prison and a NT$1 million fine.
The amendment also bans the sale and consumption of dog and cat meat and food products that contain the meat or parts of the animals, as well as the practice of pulling the animals along on a leash when riding a motorcycle.
The act is the first of its kind in Asia and follows President Tsai Ing-wen’s pledge to enhance animal protection measures upon entering office.
