The operator of a “rabbit restaurant” in New Taipei City’s Bali District (八里) has been referred to prosecutors after multiple bunnies allegedly died at the eatery, New Taipei City Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office Director Yang Shu-fang (楊淑方) said yesterday.
The restaurant promoted itself on social media as a “rabbit restaurant,” where customers could interact with the furry mammals while enjoying their meal, the office said.
During an inspection in the middle of January, officials found signs in the restaurant encouraging patrons to feed the animals with spoons, indicating that the rabbits were being used as a part of an attraction, Yang said.
Photo courtesy of the New Taipei City Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office
Such activities constitute an unauthorized animal exhibition, which under the Animal Protection Act (動物保護法) carries a fine of up to NT$250,000 (US$7,855), she said.
Several rabbits were also found to be infected with diseases, including mange, she added.
Officials ordered the operator to stop the activity immediately and sent the sick rabbits for medical treatment, the office said.
However, a follow-up inspection at the end of January found that many of the rabbits had died, it said.
Authorities confiscated the remaining animals and arranged for the Taiwan Rabbit Saving Association to provide medical care and shelter.
Autopsies of the rabbits revealed widespread mange infections, as well as torn ears and inflamed, bleeding paws, the office said, adding that their stomachs were nearly empty and contained no feces, while some female rabbits were found to be pregnant.
Investigators said they believe the animals had been kept in poor conditions and suffered from long-term malnutrition, with illnesses left untreated, ultimately leading to their deaths.
Failure to provide necessary medical care for sick animals can result in a fine of up to NT$75,000, while intentional abuse causing an animal’s death can carry a prison sentence of up to two years and a fine of up to NT$2 million, they added.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
Taiwan Travelogue (臺灣漫遊錄), which earlier this week became the first Taiwanese novel to win the International Booker Prize, is to be adapted into a television series through a Taiwan-Japan coproduction, producer Chang Chen-yu (張辰漁) said yesterday. Chang, a producer at World Softest Production Film Co, wrote on Facebook that the company had been searching for projects with international appeal that retain a strong Taiwanese identity after colleagues and Japanese partners strongly recommended the novel. After reading the book, Chang said he immediately decided to pursue the screen rights. “A great story has the power to transcend time and borders, and connect countless people,”
RSS