In a bid to better protect the Yushan (Jade Mountain, 玉山) ecological reservation area, the Yushan National Park Headquart-ers is considering measures banning visitors from bringing their pets when climbing the country's highest peak.
According to one of the measures drafted by the Yushan National Park Headquarters, violators could face a maximum fine of NT$15,000.
Guide dogs, sniffer dogs and other animals trained to perform special tasks will not be covered by the proposed measure, the headquarters said.
According to a park official, Yushan boasts rich and diverse wildlife and that pets brought by visitors to the park could easily disturb the habitat of the animals residing in the mountain.
The park official added that some pets may also carry germs and diseases that could pose a threat to the native wildlife.
The official said that the draft measures had been sent to the Ministry of the Interior for further review and deliberation.
The ministry will promulgate the new regulation when it is approved.
Until the ministry passes the proposed measures, the Yushan National Park Headquarters officials said they would just continue advising visitors not to bring their pets to the park and ask for their cooperation.
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