TAIWAN – The Legislative Yuan on Thursday has begun a review of a legal amendment to prohibit the consumption of dog and cat meat in Taiwan.
The amendment, sponsored by opposition Kuomintang Legislator Wang Yu-min and ruling Democratic Progressive Party Legislators Gao Jyh-peng and Chiu Chih-wei (邱志偉), are seeking to ban the trade and consumption of carcasses, organs and products of cats or dogs.
Violators of the new law will be subject to a fine of NT$50,000 (US$1,558) to NT$250,000, according to the draft amendment to the Animal Protection Act. Wang stated that last year there were some cases of dogs being slaughtered for meat trade, in violation of animal rights.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Huang Chin-cheng speaks at a legislative session Thursday.
In light of the great progress which has been made on animal rights protection in Taiwan, the central government should begin to formulate standards and regulations to ban the consumption of dog and cat meat, she said.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Huang Chin-cheng, who attended the legislative session, stated the Council of Agriculture supported the legislation.
He explained that the city and county governments have already agreed to adopt the ban if it is passed in the Legislature.
Meanwhile, Chiu stated the rights of animals are also at risk when people “walk” their pets while riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
Let’s see what happens!
