TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei announced Wednesday plans to establish more than 200 mobile registration stations this year to help owners microchip their cats.
The initiative follows the Ministry of Agriculture’s mandate that pet cats be registered and microchipped starting this year. Owners have been granted a one-year grace period, after which fines ranging from NT$3,000 (US$91) to NT$15,000 will be imposed under the Animal Protection Act for noncompliance, per CNA.
To facilitate registration the city will hold over 200 events offering free microchipping, pet registration, and rabies vaccinations. The first event is scheduled for Jan. 11 near the New Taipei City Library.
The city's animal protection office urged cat owners to complete registration promptly, noting that the city’s digital pet owner identification card is integrated with the city's citizen card. Owners can access their pet’s identification details via smartphone or computer, the office said.
With cats becoming increasingly popular pets, the office also offers a gift package for those who adopt cats. More details are available on the office’s website.
The MOA noted that microchipping increases the chances of reuniting lost cats with their owners. If a microchipped cat is found, its owner can be identified and contacted through registration records.
The ministry also clarified that rabies vaccination is not required at the time of registration. Owners need only to complete the microchip implantation and registration procedures.