Many cases have come to light recently of abused children, and one can't help crying when hearing about how the little bodies of children suffer merciless cruelties at the hand of the world of grown-ups.
But Taiwan seemingly is becoming more and more indifferent to these incidents as they become more common. Humanity, morality and values are deteriorating rapidly.
Virtually every state of the US considers abuse of animals a felony. The UK and Australia have similar rules. This is because these countries understand that laws against cruelty are not just aimed at protecting animals: Their real objective is protecting humanity.
Democratic Progressive Party legislators Hsiao Bi-khim (
The proposals include increasing the fine for violating the act to serving time in prison; stipulating that the government should set up a police force with the primary task of enforcing this law; and increasing surveillance of the breeding and trading of animals.
The amendments would also authorize public welfare organizations to step in when governmental institutions in charge of enforcing the law are not carrying out their duties, and authorizes such organizations to file lawsuits against offenders at the Administrative Court.
We'll have to wait and see whether these proposed amendments can pass the legislature.
People need to have a serious debate on this issue and develop a consensus. But the most important thing is that the government should understand it cannot pass off its responsibility for the nation's well-being to Terry Gou.
In today's Taiwan, we must depend on the Animal Protection Act to improve humanity. The care of animals has been ignored for too long.
Chang Sheng-hsin is a judge in the Taichung District Court.
Translated by Anna Stiggelbout
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