(TW) Taiwan outlaws human consumption of dog meat

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TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Lawmakers have banned what some Taiwanese consider to be a

winter treat: dog meat. Under the new law passed Tuesday, people will be fined

up to $300 for butchering or selling dog meat, called " fragrant meat " in

Taiwanese slang. Food stalls serving dog stew and stir-fries were once popular

in Taiwan, where some people believe the meat strengthens the body against the

winter cold. But in recent years, dog eateries have become less common because

the Taiwanese have become more affluent and are influenced by Western values.

Most urban Taiwanese consider those who eat dog to be backward and cruel. The

new law also prohibits the slaughter of cats and the mistreatment of pets and

stray animals.

 

Under the new legislation, the meat and fur of pets such as dogs and cats are

banned from being used for economic purposes. Anyone found violating the law -

which becomes effective once ratified by the president - is liable to pay a fine

of TWD$300 (£6). Wang Hsin-nan, of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party,

said eating dog meat had been understandable during hard times, when the meat

was viewed as a source of nutrition, reports BBC Online. " But things have

changed, given Taiwan's dynamic economic development, " said Mr Wang.