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.
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