TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部) announced on Tuesday (Jan. 7) that 70% of animals on its planned expanded list of prohibited species for import and breeding in Taiwan have been banned from import. The ministry revealed that it has yet to set an implementation timeline but will prioritize consensus-based actions. This decision, discussed in a meeting on Jan. 3, aims to address growing concerns over animal welfare and the diversification of pet ownership, according to Chiang Wen-chuan (江文全), director of the Animal Welfare Department (動物保護司).
The list includes 955 species. Notable species are spectacled caimans, armadillos, beavers, and canines, excluding domestic dogs. Also, the ministry plans to prohibit the breeding of animals like raccoons and snapping turtles. Chiang emphasized that current owners and businesses can report their animals to ensure their rights remain unaffected. The pet registration information system, in development for two years, categorizes animals based on management intensity and density, Chiang said.
A blacklist bans certain species, while a gray list allows conditional breeding, and a whitelist subjects animals to general management. Factors such as toxicity, aggression, and suitability for Taiwan's environment determine blacklist inclusion, prioritizing concerns over zoonotic diseases. Despite external skepticism about the Industrial Technology Research Institute's involvement, Chiang clarified that the institute handles only administrative coordination. Experts in ecology, wildlife conservation, and animal history participated in the discussions.