The bill, which was discussed by the Legislative Yuan’s Economics and Energy Committee, would introduce a jail sentence of up to one year, in addition to a fine of up to NT$50,000 in the current law, as punishment for perpetrators of various offensive or violent acts against animals that result in severe injuries or death of the animals. These would include pet owners who allow their pets to be harassed, abused or harmed; pet owners who desert their pets; and people who harass, abuse or harm animals.

Repeat offenders would also be subject to the prison sentence, even if their acts do not cause severe injuries or death of the animals.

Other repeat offenders subject to the jail sentence would include pet owners who fail to provide necessary health care for injured or ill animals and anyone caught slaughtering animals in public places without permission from relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, people could be sentenced to one year behind bars, in addition to being fined up to NT$10,000 as stipulated under the current law, if they commit the following acts twice in five years.

These include failure by pet owners to register their pets’ birth, ownership, transfer, loss or death information within a set deadline;violation of rules concerning the transportation of animals; and allowing pets to visit public places in the absence of care by a person above seven years of age or without proper protective measures.Ruling Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Hsiao Bi-khim said the bill signifies a major step forward in animal protection in the country, which she said will raise awareness among the public that it is unlawful to abuse animals.

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