Taipei: Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has announced a proposal to ban the ownership and breeding of specific exotic animals, including raccoons, saltwater crocodiles, vipers, and cobras, as pets. This regulatory move aims to address public safety concerns and mitigate the challenges posed by these animals in domestic settings.

According to Focus Taiwan, the new regulations were proposed on Wednesday and will undergo a 30-day public notice period before being officially implemented. Current owners of these animals will be required to register them with the MOA. Failure to comply with the registration requirement within the stipulated timeframe will result in fines ranging from NT$50,000 (US$1,623) to NT$250,000.

The MOA cited public safety concerns as a primary reason for the proposed changes. It highlighted the dangerous venom of vipers and cobras, which can cause serious illness and lasting injury, posing significant risks when kept as pets. The ministry also noted incidents where raccoons, often purchased on impulse, become aggressive and challenging to manage, leading to their abandonment and increased animal control costs.

Saltwater crocodiles, known for their aggression and substantial size, are deemed unsuitable for domestic environments. These reptiles can grow over five meters in length and weigh more than 200 kilograms, further justifying their inclusion in the ban.

The MOA emphasized that the proposed regulations are aligned with international precedents, drawing examples from Japan, the European Union, and Singapore. In total, 647 species, including pit bulls and electric eels, will be prohibited as pets once the regulations are in effect.