Taiwan has become the first Asian country to ban the consumption of dogs and cats and establish jail time for individuals who torture and kill animals.
Taiwan’s Animal Protection Act amendments punish those who buy, sell, or consume cat or dog meat with fines of NT$50,000 to NT$2 million, according to The China Post. Kuomintang Legislator Wang Yu-min, the amendment’s sponsor, reported that while some districts already prohibited the consumption of these meats, the country needed a national law.
The amendments had additional provisions pertaining to animal abuse.
Taiwanese who deliberately harm animals will face up to two years of jail time and fines between NT$200,000 and NT$2 million. Repeat offenses raise the penalty to one to five years and fines ranging from NT$500,000 to NT$5 million. A NT$15,000 fine will be administered to those who “walk” animals by using their motor vehicles.
The amendments need to be approved by the Taiwanese Presidential Office and Cabinet, but could take effect by the end of April.
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