In a watershed moment for animal rights,
Taiwan has banned the practice of consuming cats or dogs and instituted
stiff fines and jail time for those found to be involved with the trade
of such animals for meat.
Whether the island nation’s Asian neighbors will follow suit is yet
to be seen, but the fact remains that the Animal Protection Act
amendments approved by Taiwan’s government are some of the most
progressive and sweeping measures a country in Southeast Asia has ever
put forth in establishing rights for domestic animals.
Those found guilty of buying, selling, or eating dog or cat meat in
Taiwan face between NT $50,000 (USD $1,635.86) and NT $2 million (USD
$65,434.32) in fines. Repeat offenders could face up to five years of
imprisonment as well. Also included in the amendments are provisions
against walking or running pets alongside motorized vehicles, another
popular practice among pet owners that has come under strict scrutiny.
“Previously, the Animal Protection Act only covered the slaughter and
sale of dog and cat meat, but this amendment specifically prohibiting
the actual consumption of dog meat today is welcome,” Jill Robinson,
founder and CEO of Animals Asia Foundation, told CNN.
Support for the legislation isn’t in short supply, and public outrage
toward the torturous conditions animals sold in the meat trade face has
increased in recent years with each new report. Groups like Humane
Society International and Animals Asia have been working tirelessly to
rescue dogs and cats from illegal operations, with the long-term goal of
prompting legislation.
“Taiwan’s progressive ban is part of a growing trend across Asia to
end the brutal dog meat trade,” said Humane Society International’s
Wendy Higgins.
Almost half of the 3,221 individuals Animals Asia interviewed in 2015
said they thought killing and eating dogs and cats should be punishable
by law.
“The public too are becoming increasingly sympathetic with the plight
of dogs, recognizing the criminality behind the industry, the enormous
benefits that dogs bring to society and the comfort they give to the
families they belong to,” Robinson told CNN.
Even the president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, has a close relationship
with animals. Her two cats were commonly seen in her candid photos
during her election campaign, according to CBS. After winning the election in May 2016, Ing-wen adopted three dogs.
0 comments :
Post a Comment