The News Lens
Date: May 29, 2016
By: Yang Olivia
Indigenous people in Taiwan are now allowed to apply for ownership of self-made hunting guns and spears.
In respect of the traditional aboriginal culture, the Ministry of the Interior has passed the amendment of the “Controlling Guns, Ammunition and Knives Act,” which only excludes those that have been sentenced three years or more in jail and specific offenses.
The ministry says the amendment was mainly in consideration of how hunting is part of the traditional aboriginal life and helps maintain self-identification within the tribes. It believes adequate loosening of related regulations will help pass down the hunting culture of the indigenous people.
Other than the Act, 97% of the 230 aboriginals that have been sentenced for hunting have been charged by Wildlife Conservation Act in the last ten years, reports PTS News Network.
“Most aboriginal hunters have a criminal record,” says Chen Tsai-yi (陳采邑), a lawyer. [Quote translated] [FULL STORY]