3.1 About Animal Protection and Welfare Laws

 

Brief Introduction:

• • A total of 40 articles were passed and became effective in 1998
    • In 1992, numerous people were bitten by dogs in the Taiwan. This caught the world's attention. Therefore, under pressure, Taiwan passed its Animal Law in 1987.
  • It is divided into seven chapters. Has 40 articles.
  • Based on the environment in which specific animals interact with humans, the Animal Law divides animals into two categories:
    • Wild animals:
      • Animals that live in a natural environment and are untamed, such as a wild deer
    • Tamed animals:
      • Animals that humans have tamed and trained because of various reasons, for instance, a pet rabbit

Purpose of Animal Protection Laws:

• To prevent animal abuse, the exploitation of performing animals, and the inhumane treatment of animals used for testing
• Targets animals that need to be slaughtered for appropriate reasons. Through enforcing these laws, it reduces the discomfort, pain, and fear they have to experience and makes the process more humane for them
• Prevents dangers and the pollution of the environment caused by pets (such as pets’ feces and other waste)
• Tries to eradicate the spread of diseases that can be caused by stray animals on the streets, such as tapeworm or rabies.

(Content from chapter II to chapter VII are omitted)

Chapter I (General):

• Article I: This law is enacted to respect animal life and protect animals
• Article II: The animal owner is limited to 15 years of age. Animal owners under the age of 15 must let their legal representatives or legal guardians be the owner instead.
• Article III: Adequate food, water, and sufficient space should be provided. Attention should be paid to the safety, ventilation, lighting, temperature, cleanliness, and proper care of their living environment
• Article IV: No one shall harass, abuse, or harm others’ animals for any reason
• Article V: Animals shall not be slaughtered for no reason
• Article VI: When a pet is in public, it shall be accompanied by persons over the age of seven and appropriate protective measures should be taken.
• Article VII: Those who operate unauthorized breeding, buying and selling, or fostering of pets shall be fined NT $ 50,000 to NT $ 250,000
• Article VIII: If any of the following conditions are met, a fine of NT $ 10,000 to NT $ 50,000 shall be imposed:
  1. One abandons their pet
  2. One harasses or is cruel to animals
  3. The owner does not provide necessary medical treatment for injured or diseased animals
  4. One slaughters animals in public/places open to the public
  5. The animals were not slaughtered in the manner the government requires

 

Chapter II - General Protection of Animals

Chapter III - Scientific Applications of Animals

Chapter IV - Pet Management

Chapter V - Administrative Supervision

Chapter VI - Penalties

(Chapter VII - Supplementary Provisions)

 

• Stray Animal Planet - Taiwan Animal Protection Association (TAPA)
  • Brief Introduction:
    • Founded by Ms. Hou and a number of volunteers in 2006
    • Currently has about 800 dogs and cats kept in their shelter
  • Purpose, philosophy:
    • "Adopt instead of shop, neuter instead of cull"
    • Respect and understand the meaning of life education
    • Love life, stop animal homelessness with love
  • Mission:
    • Protect, educate, care
    • Help stray animals find a warm home