Taiwan’s parliament approved a bill banning the slaughter of cats and dogs for human consumption, becoming the first Asian country to do so.
According to The China Post, people who sell, purchase, eat, or possess the carcasses of dogs or cats, or any food products made with their carcasses or organs are subject to a fine between NT$50,000 (approx. RM7,200) and NT$250,000 (approximately RM36,100). Moreover, violators of the new Animal Protection Act amendments will be banned from registering any pets and from applying to adopt a pet.
Taiwanese lawmakers also strengthen the penalty for killing or intentionally injuring animals. Besides raising the maximum punishment, the violator’s name, photograph, and offence will also be made public. On the other hand, repeat offenders will face a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years. AsiaOne also added that it is illegal to “walk” pets/animals by leashing it to a motor vehicle.
On Tuesday (11th April), Kuomintang (The People’s Party) Legislator Wang Yu Min said that while some localities already had measures banning dog and cat meat consumption, national legislation was still needed.
Although the amendments have yet to be signed off on by the Cabinet and the Presidential Office, it could take effect as early as the end of April.
What do you think about Taiwan’s new bill? Do you think Malaysia needs to have stricter animal protection laws as well? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below!
Sources: AsiaOne, Next Shark, The China Post.
