Asia's animal welfare leader — progressive legislation, no-kill shelter policy, and a vibrant advocacy community
Taiwan has established itself as one of Asia's most progressive jurisdictions on animal welfare. The country banned dog and cat meat consumption in 1998 — decades before South Korea — and has progressively strengthened its Animal Protection Act through multiple amendments. Taiwan's approach to stray animal management has shifted from lethal control to a no-kill policy, though implementation has been challenging.
Taiwan banned the sale and consumption of dog and cat meat in 1998 — making it one of the first Asian countries to do so. The ban has been effectively enforced and represents a significant cultural shift predating South Korea's 2024 ban by 26 years.
In 2017, Taiwan implemented a no-kill policy for animal shelters, prohibiting euthanasia of healthy animals. While implementation has been challenging — shelters became overcrowded without adequate adoption programs — the policy direction reflects genuine governmental commitment to animal welfare and has driven innovation in TNVR and adoption promotion.
Taiwan announced a phase-out of battery cages for laying hens with a target of complete elimination by 2027. This makes Taiwan one of very few Asian jurisdictions to mandate cage-free egg production, following corporate campaign pressure and alignment with international welfare standards.
Taiwan has demonstrated willingness to prosecute and punish animal cruelty, including high-profile cases involving companion animals. Penalties were strengthened in 2015 to include prison terms for serious cruelty cases, creating genuine deterrent effects.
Taiwan faces ongoing challenges including: managing its large stray dog population under the no-kill policy (overcrowded shelters remain a problem); improving farm animal welfare beyond eggs; developing standards for the growing aquaculture sector; and addressing wildlife trade and exotic animal ownership. The implementation gap between progressive legislation and actual welfare outcomes is real and requires sustained work.
Taiwan's leading animal advocacy organization. Works across companion animal, farm animal, and wild animal issues. Has run major campaigns resulting in Taiwan's cage-free commitments and other welfare improvements.
Focuses on companion animal welfare, cruelty enforcement support, and humane education. Has worked with government on improving shelter standards and adoption promotion under the no-kill policy.