Taiwan has outlawed the consumption of cats and dogs this week, in efforts to improve animal welfare.
The legislation was passed on Wednesday in light of recent high-profile scandals involving animal cruelty. Both consumption and possessing meat is now illegal, with offenders facing increased fines of up to TWD250,000 (RMB57,000).
People who abuse or kill animals can also be jailed for up to two years and earn a TWD2 million (RMB454,000) fine. Repeat offenders, meanwhile, face a five year jail sentence.
The new law comes after a couple of shocking animal abuse cases in Taiwan. Last year, a video showing soldiers strangling and hanging a puppy before letting it die sparked public outrage. Taiwan's defense minister publicly apologized following the incident.
READ MORE: Man-Bites-Dog - The Controversial Yulin Dog Meat Festival
[Image via Shanghai Daily]
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