A First in Asia: Taiwan Bans Eating Cat and Dog Meat
Taiwan is making headlines after a decision to outlaw the consumption of cat and dog meat, a first in Asia. Prior to the amendment, Taiwan’s Animal Protection Act only prohibited the slaughter and sale of cat and dog meat. According to The Guardian, anyone caught violating the island’s new regulation can be fined up to NT$250,000 (almost US$8,200).
A first in Asia! #Taiwan prohibits eating dog or cat meat in a progressive ban. ?? https://t.co/YjaRWsMjPp pic.twitter.com/Bij92eXBey
— PETA Asia (@PETAAsia) April 17, 2017
In addition to being fined, those found in violation of the law could see their names, photographs, and crimes published by the Taiwanese government. Repeat offenders could also face jail time and be ordered to pay costlier fines.
The ban is part of the Taiwanese government’s attempt to make the island more animal-friendly, reports Yahoo7. Other amendments were also passed, including enforcing harsher punishments for those who purposely harm animals. New regulations involving dogs’ safety and motor vehicles, including scooters, will also be enforced.
Taiwan to ban eating, selling of dog and cat meat https://t.co/ULP3qoTDnV pic.twitter.com/E0o4of1pv7
— SCMP News (@SCMP_News) April 12, 2017
More than a decade ago, PETA US helped to get the first animal-welfare law passed in Taiwan. PETA US President Ingrid Newkirk toured the pounds there and then sat in a cage in Taipei to call attention to the plight of cats and dogs who are drowned and beaten to death. While the treatment of cats and dogs still needs to be improved—and all the other frightened animals who are killed for the table still need protection—any step forward is a good step, although going vegan is the kindest and best step of all. We look forward to the day when other animals are included in Taiwan’s new law.
What You Can Do
PETA applauds Taiwan’s changing attitudes and new regulations and hopes other localities—in Asia and around the world—will be quick to follow suit.
You can do your part too. Going vegan is, without a doubt, the best thing that you can do for animals, your health, and the planet. Making the transition is easier than ever before, but we’re here to make it even easier. Click the button below to learn how and why to go vegan in three simple steps.
