TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday held a meeting to gather feedback from animal protection units and private welfare organizations on animal euthanasia in shelters.

Under Article 12 of the Animal Protection Act, euthanasia is allowed in specific cases, including scientific research, disease control, breed improvement, or to relieve suffering. Since Feb. 6, 2017, public shelters have been prohibited from performing euthanasia on strays, which has led to overcrowding at many facilities.

A citizen proposal submitted in July advocating euthanasia in shelters received 5,728 supporting votes on the public policy platform. The proposal criticized the overemphasis on the Trap-Neuter-Return approach.

It argued that TNR allows abandoned pets to return to the streets and creates problems, including animal welfare concerns, human-animal conflicts, economic losses, ecological damage, and disease risks.

Animal welfare groups also note that animals confined in cramped spaces often die from age or illness, which they consider neglect. Although the law permits euthanasia for animals with infectious diseases, incurable illnesses, or conditions that affect hygiene, these provisions are reportedly not consistently enforced.

Chiang Wen-chuan (江文全), director of the ministry’s Animal Protection Division, said euthanasia in public shelters accounts for less than 1%, largely because some members of society question the practice and many veterinarians are reluctant to perform it. Most shelters continue to prioritize treatment and rescue.

Chiang stressed that broader societal support is necessary for effective implementation. The ministry plans to respond to the citizen proposal by the end of September.