TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's cabinet amended the Animal Protection Act (動物保護法) on Jan. 8 to increase fines and extend jail terms for animal abuse amid a surge in cruelty cases. Officials said the changes aim to deter repeat offenders and convey a zero-tolerance policy following years of weak enforcement. From 2015 to 2021, Taiwan recorded more than 1,000 animal abuse cases annually, yet only 7.8 percent resulted in penalties. In most past cases, abusers avoided prison by paying fines.
The amendments target animal abandonment and abuse following a surge in cruelty cases reported in 2025. Animal welfare advocates warn that harsher penalties alone do little to address the underlying reasons people harm animals. Past amendments suggest deterrence has clear limits in preventing animal cruelty.
In 2017, Taiwan doubled the maximum prison sentence from one to two years under the Animal Protection Act. Yet by 2019, reported animal abuse cases rose by 346 compared with 2017, according to official figures. NGOs argue that many cases highlight deeper issues in psychology, social stress, and cultural attitudes toward animals.
Research in psychology and criminology shows individuals who commit cruelty toward animals are more likely to go on to harm humans. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation found that a history of animal cruelty is a recurring trait in its records of serial rapists and murderers. Advocates often cite Japan as a cautionary example, where strict animal welfare laws have not prevented a rise in extreme abuse cases.
In Taiwan, animal welfare groups point to past abuse cases as evidence that punishment alone is insufficient to prevent cruelty. In one widely cited case, an individual adopted multiple cats and later killed at least fourteen of them, according to animal welfare advocates. The case highlighted significant gaps in monitoring and early intervention that tougher penalties alone cannot address, advocates said.
Without addressing why abuse happens, advocates warn that tougher laws risk becoming reactive rather than preventive. As Taiwan tightens penalties, the next challenge will be confronting the social and psychological conditions that allow cruelty to persist. Animal welfare groups urge the public to report suspected abuse through local animal protection offices or the national hotline at 1959.
Cases can be reported through local animal protection offices or by calling 1959, Taiwan's national animal protection hotline, which operates 24 hours a day. The hotline provides confidential support for reporting suspected animal cruelty and connects callers with local authorities for immediate response. Officials encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of animal abuse or neglect in their communities. ◼
>>> VIOLENCE PREVENTION: If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, or threats to personal safety, please call 110 for immediate police assistance or 113 for the domestic violence and sexual assault prevention hotline. Both services provide 24/7 confidential support. | 暴力防治專線 | 拒絕暴力 請撥打 110 | 家暴及性侵害防治專線 113