Owners of pitbulls in New Taipei City who fail to sterilize their dogs and vaccinate them against rabies could be fined up to NT$80,000, following a ban on the breed introduced last year, the city said Monday.
With the exception of designated breeders who have already completed registration, owners of pitbulls must ensure the dogs are sterilized to prevent them from breeding, the city’s Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office said, adding that 22 owners have already been fined since the law was changed last year.
Photo courtesy of New Taipei City Government
A subsidy for sterilization was introduced in October last year, and letters were sent to pitbull owners in November to remind them to sterilize and vaccinate their dogs, it said.
Under the under the Animal Protection Act (動物保護法) and the Act for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Disease (動物傳染病防治條例), those failing to sterilize their dogs could be fined up to NT$50,000 , while those failing to vaccinate their dogs against rabies could be fined up to NT$30,000, it said.
Meanwhile, in a bid to curb illegal breeding of pitbulls, those found buying or selling the breed, or transferring a pitbull already registered in their name to someone else’s care, could be fined up to NT$250,000, it said.
Existing owners of pitbulls should also ensure their dog wears a breathable muzzle and is tethered by a 1.5m leash at all times when taking the dog into public places, it said.
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