The News Lens
Date: 2016/12/16

The implementation of a “no-kill” policy at public animal shelters in Taiwan will begin

Photo Credit:Reuters/達志影像

next year as scheduled, despite twelve cities and counties warning that they would be unable to comply, the Council of Agriculture Minister Tsao Chi-hung (曹啟鴻) said yesterday, CNA reports.

Overcrowded public shelters have made it hard to avoid euthanizing stray animals, but Tsao said shelters that faced difficulties would receive assistance from the central government. So far, only New Taipei City, Kaohsiung County and Taitung County have successfully ended the practice of euthanasia at public shelters in these areas.

The Animal Protection Act was amended in February 2015 to end the practice of putting down animals held at public shelters for more than 12 days and is scheduled to start on Feb. 4, 2017. Animals Taiwan board member Liza Milne criticized the policy, which she says might lead to outbreaks of highly contagious diseases like parvovirus and distemper. “The gradual steps that lead up to being a no-kill country have not been taken,” said Milne.    [FULL  STORY]