Taiwan’s government has decided to euthanize 154 cats found on board a ship from China. trying to smuggle these cats to Taiwan recently until causing dissatisfaction among animal lovers until the call for amendments to the law
Taiwan’s coastal patrol officials on Thursday arrested a fishing boat from Gig at 40 nautical miles (74 kilometers) off the coast of Kaohsiung. located in the south of Taiwan And after screening for COVID-19, the ship was brought to dock. Before it was discovered that there were 62 cat cages, which included various breeds of cats, including Russian Blues, Ragdolls, Persian American Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs. r
The cats were valued at about NT10 million (12 million baht) and were euthanized on Sunday (Aug 22).
Taiwanese government officials The decision to euthanize the cats was because they did not know where they came from. and may affect biosecurity But this decision caused great dissatisfaction among animal lovers. and animal rights activists
Taiwan is one of the most popular areas for raising animals. At the same time, pet-related businesses are becoming very popular.
President’s condolences but confirmation is necessary
Such dissatisfactionMs. Tsai Ing-wen president of taiwan who is the one who raises the cat by himself Released a statement saying that he was sorry for what happened. and blamed the cat’s death for animal trafficking. It also urged people to understand that the decision was made to prevent the importation of the disease into Taiwan. But he acknowledged that the law should be amended to treat smuggled animals in a more humane way.
Many netizens questioned whether Why aren’t these cats quarantined or treated first if they’re afraid they’ll bring the disease? Meanwhile, another netizen thinks that those who intend drama should take into account that if other animal species are killed by these cats and it affects the ecosystem. how will it be Another group took the opportunity to call on people who would rather have a pet to foster a neglected cat than looking for a beautiful cat breed.
Mr. Chen Ji-zhong Minister of Agriculture Council of the Government of Taiwan responsible for such decisions confirmed to the Taipei Times. that even after bringing these cats to quarantine But it may still be a carrier of some diseases because some viruses have a long incubation period. This could be detrimental to pets and livestock in Taiwan.
The minister said he would work with the Justice Department to increase penalties for animal smugglers. and increase fines for animal sellers of unknown origin to at least 3 million Taiwan dollars.
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