The Ministry of Agriculture has launched a digital pet identification system to improve animal welfare, and root out illegal breeding and smuggling.
The new digital identification (ID) cards would contain more information than previous ID documents, for example, a photograph of the pet, Animal Welfare Department Director Chiang Wen-chuan (江文全) told a news conference yesterday.
The ID cards would also include the pet’s birth date, the name of the owner, and whether the animal has been sterilized and vaccinated.
Photo: CNA
The online system was launched for convenience and because not enough information was included on the previous ID document, Chiang said.
Pet owners would now be able to view and update all information relating to their animal on the Pet Registration Information System (https://www.pet.gov.tw/).
Previously, owners were only issued paper documents, which they had to update in person at registration agencies.
Chiang said he hopes the new pet ID system would help clamp down on illegal breeding and animal smuggling, and give prospective pet owners information about the mother of the pet they are considering purchasing or adopting.
Potential pet owners would also be able alert to animal welfare agencies if they find anything suspicious, for example, if breeders fail to provide information about how the pet was bred, Chiang said.
Only dogs are required to be registered under the Animal Protection Act (動物保護法), but it is likely to become mandatory for cats, too, Chiang said.
Acting Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) said digital pet IDs help to trace where animals have come from and would help monitor breeding facilities.
Other policies would be proposed to encourage people to register their pets, for example, providing a discount on vaccines after registration, he added.
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