Taichung to Fine Owners Who Walk Pets Without Leash|遛狗未繫繩 台中市最高將罰1萬5

According to the regulations on pets in Taichung, local pet owners must have their pets on leashes or in isolated cages in public areas. Repeat offenders will be subject to fines of NT$3,000 to NT$15,000. Many pet owners say they support the new policy, as they believe it will prevent accidents caused by pets running loose.


Ms. Chung always makes sure to put her dog on a leash when walking outside in order to keep it from getting too excited and uncontrollable.

I always make sure to put my dog on a leash, and when I see other pets approaching it, I tighten the leash and make it shorter.

The Legislature passed the amendment of the Animal Protection Act last month, which mandates that all pets must be accompanied by a citizen age 7 or older. And those who violate the law will be subject to a fine of NT$3,000 to NT$15,000. The new amendment will take effect starting in June. Taichung City has also put in place its own pet regulations which mandate that all pets in public areas must wear proper protection. Local animal right groups have expressed support for the policy.

Putting leashes on the pets is a gesture of courtesy, not limitation.

Local animal rights groups believe that putting on appropriate protection for the pets is necessary to maintain safe interaction among pets and people. It is also a way to show respect to others. The latest statistics have shown that, last year, there have been a total of 493 pet-related accidents that took place due to lack of protection. In 16 of those cases, the pet owners have received fines. In the first four months of this year, 166 cases took place and in 9 cases, the owners were fined. The new regulation will subject to fines all owners who don't put pets on leashes.

If dog owners leave their dogs running around with no supervision, because of these citizen reports, we may take the dogs to nearby shelters and fine the owners once we find them.

Taichung City's animal protection office said that the new regulation currently focuses on dog and cat owners. The office said they will enhance supervision in public areas, such as parks, as well as reports from the public. The pet owners will first receive verbal persuasion or will be subject to fines of between NT$3,000 to NT$15,000 if he or she refuses to comply.