Assignment: Lawmakers pass overhaul of law on animal rights

(1)Because of public and international pressure, a new tougher animal cruelty law was passed in 2007. What is your response to this law? Is the penalty sufficient, too strict, or too lenient? Do you think this law is enforced or is it just for show? (in other words, how often do police investigate animal cruelty crimes?). Do you have any specific suggestions for how the system could be improved? http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2007/12/15/2003392585

Answer:

I feel happy for the legislature overhauled the Animal Protection Act in 2007. I think "According to the amendment, animal owners are required to provide vaccinations for their animals in addition to satisfying their basic needs such as food, water and protection from harassment and abuse." is animal owners should to do. And the government should to provide public play areas for pets. It's very great idea. Maybe to put some food for those was abandoned pets. I also think the government should to foster those was abandoned pets and to provide vaccinations for the first time.

The law to penalty those harm pets people.

*According to the amendment, anyone who abuses or causes serious harm to animals or kills a dog or cat may be fined between NT$100,000 and NT$500,000 -- double the fine before the bill was passed. Photographs and names of violators may be published as part of the punishment. *Violators who repeat their offense within two years may be fined between NT$200,000 and NT$1 million (US$30,800).
*Upon a third violation within five years, violators may be sentenced to one year in prison and be fined up to NT$1 million.
*Anyone who uses live animals as game prizes or sells dead dogs or cats may be fined between NT$50,000 and NT$250,000.
*Abandoning an animal that could negatively affect the ecosystem is punishable by a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000.
*Abandoning animals not detrimental to the ecosystem is punishable by a fine of between NT$15,000 and NT$75,000.

I think penalty sufficient for fines but the law maybe can't enforce. Because defines is too wide and complex for fines. The law should be easy to understand and pet breeders need to renew their licenses every three years is too long. Should to renew licenses six months and renew pets photos. The government to inspect pet breeders and penalty illegal behavior facilities.

(2)Visit “Animals Taiwan”. Take a look around the website. What is the purpose of this group? What sorts of things do they do? Look around and read (in English) a bit. Don't forget to read “recent posts". http://www.animalstaiwan.org/index.php?mnid=36

Answer:

"Animals Taiwan" is a group of people, both expatriate and local, concerned about the welfare of animals in Taiwan, in particular that of the stray population. We work to raise awareness of the stray problem and education people about the responsibilities of pet ownership.