Yes, feeding stray cats is legal in Taiwan, but local governments enforce strict hygiene and nuisance controls under the Animal Protection Act and municipal ordinances. The 2023 amendments to the Animal Protection Act (effective 2026) mandate that feeders must register with local authorities and comply with sanitation standards to mitigate public health risks. Violations may result in fines up to NT$50,000 under Article 25 of the Act.
Key Regulations for Feeding Stray Cats in Taiwan
- Registration Requirement: Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Kaohsiung City require feeders to register with municipal animal control agencies. Unregistered feeding may lead to warnings or penalties under local ordinances (e.g., Taipei City Animal Protection Ordinance §12).
- Sanitation and Nuisance Controls: Feeders must remove uneaten food within 2 hours and ensure feeding sites do not attract pests or obstruct public spaces. Non-compliance may trigger enforcement by the Council of Agriculture (COA) or local environmental agencies.
- Designated Feeding Zones: Some districts (e.g., Taipei’s Neihu District) restrict feeding to approved areas to prevent conflicts with urban planning. Feeders violating zone restrictions face fines under the Urban Planning Act and municipal enforcement orders.
The COA’s 2024 guidelines emphasize “responsible feeding,” encouraging feeders to collaborate with TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs for long-term population control. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in administrative penalties or mandatory participation in community-based animal welfare initiatives.