TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部) announced Sunday (Jan. 5) new restrictions on the import and breeding of 22 animal species, including raccoons and snapping turtles. Officials aim to balance public safety and animal welfare with this initiative. The ministry held a consultative meeting on Jan. 3 to discuss these restrictions. Officials stated that the meeting's purpose was to gather diverse opinions and continue revising policies based on suggestions from various groups.
They plan to implement a tiered management system for domestic pets, having already assessed 1,565 species. This system will classify animals into blocklists (prohibited), gray lists (conditionally allowed), and allowlists (generally allowed). Current owners can keep these animals after registration, similar to regulations for pit bulls. Specific venues like zoos will also remain authorized to house these species. The ministry emphasized that many exotic species initially enter through human care, but abandonment or escape can lead to ecological impacts.
They noted that strict controls on exotic species are a global standard to prevent environmental harm. The ministry also urged pet owners to understand animal behaviors, provide suitable environments, and avoid abandonment to fulfill their responsibilities as pet guardians.
