Premier Cho Jung-tai: No Timetable for New Pet Medication System Until Practical Issues Are Resolved

(CNA, Taipei, 14th) Premier Cho Jung-tai stated today that there will be no implementation timetable for using human pharmaceuticals for pet medication until practical issues are resolved. Minister of Agriculture Chen Jun-ji pointed out that the medication needs of veterinary hospitals will be ensured.

Due to the lack of medication for sick pets, the "Regulations for the Management and Use of Human Medicinal Products on Dogs, Cats, and Non-Economic Animals" was originally scheduled to be implemented in July this year, aiming to legalize and manage pet medication and prevent the misuse of human drugs. A consultative meeting on April 10 decided to postpone the new system.

The Legislative Yuan continued its general policy interpellation today. KMT legislator Hung Meng-kai expressed concern about the system for using human drugs on animals, asking if pets would be left without emergency medication. Cho Jung-tai explained that there will be no implementation timetable until the practical problems are solved.

Chen Jun-ji noted that according to Article 10, Paragraph 2 of the Animal Protection Act, 701 human drug items have been announced for transfer to animal use, covering most of the needs of veterinary hospitals. Before a consensus is reached, the implementation will be postponed, and during this period, the medication needs of veterinary hospitals will be ensured.

Hung Meng-kai further asked if oxygen supply for emergency animal medical care could be listed as a standard medication. Chen Jun-ji responded that this was discussed in the meeting on the 10th, and related issues, such as the past practice of supplying oxygen in whole cylinders versus the current possibility of separate labeling, can be resolved. (Editor: Chang Jo-yao) 1150414