202407/30
Since the distribution areas of rabies-positive wildlife have not been reduced, indicating that the epidemic is still not slowing down, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) announced on July 31, 2024, that it would amend and extend the control measures of the “Prohibition on the Entry and Transportation of Dogs, Cats, and Other Mammals into Forest Recreation Areas, Lalashan Sacred Tree Reserve, and Forest Parks”. From August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2026, 19 forest recreation venues located in the mountains, including the Manyueyuan National Forest Recreation Area, will continue to be closed off to mammals and pets in order to avoid cross-infection of diseases through contact with wild animals. This announcement also added that some areas be will be allowing visitors to bring pets and other mammals. In addition to the five original forest recreation venues (Neidong, Chihnan, Jhihben, Danongdafu Forest Park, and Linhousilin Forest Park), the Aogu Wetland Forest Park has also been included, due to the settlements already present around the Aogu Wetland Forest Park, and because the ecosystem is relatively straightforward. The announcement was also made in consideration of the establishment of the Lalashan (R’ra) National Forest Recreation Area on April 18, 2023, and the title of the regulation has been amended to “Prohibition on the Entry and Transportation of Dogs, Cats, and Other Mammals into Forest Recreation Areas and Forest Parks”. In addition, to meet the needs of disaster relief in mountainous areas, search and rescue dogs and other working dogs brought by rescue personnel are exempted from the control measure.
Previously, on July 29, 2022, the MOA established the measure of “Prohibition on the Entry and Transportation of Dogs, Cats, and Other Mammals into Forest Recreation Areas, Lalashan Sacred Tree Reserve, and Forest Parks”, and announced that it would prohibit the transportation of dogs, cats, and other mammals into the 20 forest recreation venues from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2024. However, qualified guide dogs and mobility service dogs brought by people with visual, hearing, or physical disabilities, as well as puppies brought during professional dog training are exempted from this restriction. Apart from designating the prohibition of pets and mammals to the entire sites of the 19 forest recreation venues and parts of 6 forest recreation venues, the amendment also exempts search and rescue dogs, other working dogs, and puppies brought by mountain rescue workers during professional training, to ensure that rescue needs can be met in case of disasters in mountainous areas.
Regarding the 6 designated forest recreation venues, including Neidong National Forest Recreation Area, with restricted entry for pets and mammals, the management authority will conditionally open up some of the areas for entry based on manpower, environmental conditions, and the characteristics of the site. Owners should submit an application for pet entry and bring valid pet registration documentation and proof of rabies vaccination. Before entry into the designated activity area, an admission statement must be filled out promising to comply with the regulations. Pets must be properly leashed with the length under 1.5 meters, or placed in a bag, carrier, stroller, or other similar holder at all times.
When in the above conditionally open areas, the FANCA requests pet owners to fulfill their responsibility to keep the recreation venue clean and maintain the natural environment, clean up pet food and pets’ droppings, refrain from entering closed-off areas, and refrain from approaching wild animals. If pets disobey commands or attack other animals or visitors, the pet owner is required to remove them from the recreation venue immediately. If the regulations are not complied with upon request, the management unit may request the owner to leave the recreation venue with the pet, and the owner may not ask for any refund or compensation. In the event of a conflict, the owner is responsible for handling the situation and bearing the relevant liabilities.
The FANCA would also remind the public to refrain from approaching or feeding any wild animals when inside the forest recreation areas. If the wildlife exhibits abnormal behavior or is suspected to be infected with diseases, please immediately notify the onsite staff, the FANCA, or the local animal epidemic prevention competent authorities, in order to ensure the safety of pets, owners, and other visitors. The public is requested to cooperate with the relevant measures and to give support and understanding to the epidemic prevention work.