Taipei City Government

Taipei City Animal Protection Office (APO) announced that the agency will enforce rabies surveillance and vaccination measures starting this January. Inspections will be conducted twice a week in areas frequented by dogs, including parks, greens, pet stores and veterinary hospitals.
Owners whose dog lacks rabies vaccination will be fined between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000 according to Article 45 of Statue for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Disease (amended December 24, 2014). The original fine was NT$10,000 to NT$50,000.
APO pointed out that reports of rabies-infected ferret-badgers and masked palm civets have increased in Taiwan, indicating that the virus can be transmitted to other wildlife. Pet owners should keep their canine or feline friends inoculated against the infectious disease. A vaccination rate of 70% or higher has been proven to effectively prevent rabies transmission from animals to humans.
The agency noted that there are currently 237 participating veterinary clinics in Taipei which provide rabies vaccination service. The public are advised to keep in mind the “Do’s and Don’ts” to help implement rabies control — Don’t abandon pets; Don’t contact or capture wildlife; and Do make sure domestic dogs and cats receive vaccination every year.
APO will continue to carry out free rabies immunization sessions and campaigns in high-risk areas (mountainous areas), especially for the disadvantaged groups. Remote area residents can also apply to district offices for APO vaccination service with village or borough as a unit for application.